Nottingham top Blaze

The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were beaten 3-5 by the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League at the Skydome Arena on Saturday.

Ahead of face-off, the Blaze marked forward Mike Pelech’s 1000th regular-season game with a pre-game ceremony. He was joined on the ice by his wife Chelsea as the Skydome crowd honoured the milestone.

Coventry survived an early defensive breakdown, but when a second followed moments later, the Panthers capitalised. David Noël converted a two-on-one opportunity, finishing past Mat Robson after good work from Tim Doherty and Mitch Fossier at 1.17.

The physical tone was set early when Jack Hopkins and Doherty tangled at 3.46, each receiving two minutes for roughing.

Nottingham doubled their lead at 12.31 when Ross Armour re-directed Cooper Zech’s shot through Robson’s five-hole.

Coventry’s struggling powerplay finally sparked into life at 14.19, when Grant Mismash’s effort squeezed past Kevin Carr. The goal went unassisted after the puck deflected into the net off the Panthers goalie.

The Panthers restored their two-goal cushion at 24.04. Brendan Harris scored on a wraparound attempt, assisted by Matthew Marcinew.

Tempers flared again at 25.03, with Colton Saucerman and Doherty dropping the gloves and receiving five each for fighting.

Shortly afterwards, Nottingham had a golden chance to extend their advantage on an extended 5-on-3 powerplay. Their closest effort came from Noël, who struck both of Robson’s posts before the puck was smothered between the Blaze goaltender’s pads.

The Panthers did find a fourth before the period’s end as Coventry fell into penalty trouble. On the powerplay, Mitch Fossier pounced on a loose puck at the back door and fired it home at 37.58.

Dershahn Stewart replaced Robson in the Blaze net to start the third period.

Coventry pulled one back at 51.45, when Elijiah Barriga finally grabbed his first of the regular season – digging the puck out of a scramble in front of Carr and looking to the heavens in relief. The goal was assisted by Jack Hopkins.

The Blaze then used their powerplay again to close the gap to one. Captain Kim Tallberg scored at 56.22, giving Coventry hope of a late comeback.

However, the Panthers responded just 14 seconds later. Jarod Hilderman beat Stewart to make it 3-5, restoring the two-goal cushion.

Coventry pulled Stewart for the extra skater late on, but a penalty in the final minute killed any realistic chance of salvaging something from Pelech’s milestone night.