The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were forced to settle for a point on Sunday night after falling in a shootout to Manchester Storm, following a 2-2 draw through regulation and overtime at the Skydome Arena.
The Blaze made a fast start and took the lead just 90 seconds into the game when Matthew Gleason finished a wrist shot from close range after good work by Man of the Match William Boysen to create the chance.
Coventry looked to build on the early momentum and created several strong opportunities in the opening period.
Storm goalie Drew DeRidder was required to deny Boysen, Elijah Barriga and Gleason on an odd-man rush, while David Clements struck the post with a shot from the blue-line as the Blaze pressed for a second goal.
Manchester threatened short-handed midway through the period, but Blaze netminder Mat Robson was rarely tested as Coventry carried the better of the chances.
The home side thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second period, only for the puck to strike the side of the net.
Storm gradually grew into the game and eventually levelled with just under six minutes remaining in the frame, when Dante Hannoun’s shot was ruled to have crossed the line after a video review confirmed the puck had bounced down off the crossbar.
Manchester started the third period on the powerplay and later edged ahead at 51.55. Zach Sullivan’s point shot was spilled by Robson, allowing Stephen Johnson to convert the rebound and put the Storm in front.
Coventry responded well and applied sustained pressure in the closing minutes. With 3.33 remaining, following an outstanding offensive shift from the Blaze, Boysen buried the equaliser to bring his side back level and force overtime.
Neither team were unable to find a winner in the extra period, ensuring each claimed a point.
In the shoot-out, Hannoun scored in the opening round for Manchester. After four scoreless rounds, former Blaze forward J.D. Dudek converted in the fifth to secure the extra point for the Storm.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
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