The Steelers returned to home ice at the Utilita Arena brimming with confidence after last night’s road victory over the Cardiff Devils, and they extended their impressive run to seven wins from the last eight with a stirring 4-2 comeback triumph over the Coventry Blaze. In front of a passionate Valentine’s-clad crowd, the Steelers overturned a second period deficit with a blistering third period display.
Chasing the league-leading Belfast Giants, the Steelers knew there was little margin for error despite the long season still ahead. Coach Aaron Fox kept changes minimal following the Cardiff victory, with Eamon McAdam stepping in between the pipes and a small shift in lines. The continuity paid dividends, particularly during a dominant final frame that saw the Steelers strike twice in 51 electric seconds to seize control of the contest.
Statistically, the Steelers dictated much of the play. They outshot the Blaze 29-20, controlled large spells in the offensive zone, and killed both first-period penalties efficiently. Although Coventry capitalised on their powerplay and a late first period breakaway, the Steelers’ persistence and attacking pressure eventually overwhelmed Mat Robson and the Blaze defence.
In goal, McAdam turned aside 19 shots, several of them at crucial junctures, including a key denial of Boysen in the third period that preserved momentum. Jack Dougherty’s inspirational performance, scoring the game-winning goal after suffering a heavy second-period hit earned him Man of the Match honours for the Steelers, while Grant Mismash claimed the award for the visitors.
First Period [0-1]
The opening frame began at a lively tempo, though clear-cut opportunities were at a premium in the early exchanges. Coventry’s Colton Saucerman fired over the bar inside the opening shift, setting the tone for what would become a tightly contested first period. At the other end, Robert Dowd was inches away from opening the scoring at the top of the crease, unable to get the decisive touch, while Jordon Southorn’s follow-up from the blue line was swallowed by Robson.
As the period settled, both sides probed without truly testing the netminders consistently. Brien Diffley and Ryan Tait combined effectively midway through the frame, with Diffley forcing a sharp low pad save from Robson. Southorn then cut across the slot and unleashed a dangerous effort that was expertly gloved down by the Blaze netminder.
Discipline became a factor past the midway mark. Joona Huttula was called for hooking at 9:32, sending the Steelers to the penalty kill. Coventry’s Matthew Gleason rang a shot off the crossbar during the advantage, but the Steelers responded with a short-handed two-on-one opportunity for Ryan Tait and Dominic Cormier, though Cormier’s effort drifted wide. The kill was completed successfully, as was a second consecutive penalty after Diffley was assessed for cross-checking.
With the clock winding down and the Steelers appearing to have navigated the period effectively, Coventry struck with cruel timing. At 19:59, Jordan Power’s stretch pass sprung Grant Mismash at the Steelers’ blue line. The Blaze forward raced in alone and finished across the body of McAdam to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break. Despite edging shots 8-7, the Steelers trailed by the narrowest of margins.
Second Period [1-2]
The Steelers emerged for the middle stanza with renewed purpose, hemming the Blaze into their own zone and applying sustained pressure. However, Robson and the Coventry defence held firm, frustrating the home side during their strongest spell of the game to that point.
Controversy erupted at 28:04 when Jack Dougherty was sent crashing face-first into the boards, rising bloodied to the concern of teammates and supporters alike. As tensions flared, Sam Tremblay was penalised for roughing after confronting the Blaze player involved, much to the fury of the Steelers bench and the home crowd. The officials’ decision to ignore the initial infraction left the Arena in disbelief.
The setback proved costly. Although Mitchell Balmas and Ryan Tait nearly combined short-handed on a two-on-one, the Blaze capitalised moments later. At 28:33, Elijiah Barriga fed Matthew Gleason at the back post, and Gleason made no mistake on the powerplay to double Coventry’s advantage.
To their credit, the Steelers responded swiftly. At 31:28, Mikko Juusola worked tirelessly behind the net before finding Mitchell Balmas near the goal line. From an improbable angle, Balmas threaded the puck through Robson to cut the deficit to 2-1 and reignite the building. Further chances fell to Balmas again and to Brett Ritchie at the back post, but Robson stood tall to preserve the Blaze lead heading into the second intermission, with the Steelers leading shots 19-16.
Third Period [4-2]
The final period began with a simmering edge. Dougherty was again involved physically in the corner, and the crowd voiced its displeasure at a perceived missed too-many-men call and further off-the-play infractions. The emotion inside the Arena was palpable, and the Steelers fed off it.
As the clock ticked past the midway point, the breakthrough finally came. At 51:25, Mikko Juusola battled brilliantly in the corner despite heavy attention and delivered a sublime feed into the slot. From one knee, Brett Ritchie rifled home the equaliser to spark bedlam in the Arena.
The noise had barely subsided when the Steelers struck again. Just 51 seconds later at 52:34, Jack Dougherty completed his redemption story. Picking up space high in the slot, the defenceman snapped a precision effort into the top corner to give the Steelers a 3-2 lead. It was a moment of sheer determination from a player who had endured a bruising night.
Coventry pressed in response, and McAdam produced a vital save to deny Boysen and preserve the advantage. With Robson pulled for the extra attacker at 58:30, the Blaze attempted to force overtime. Instead, Dominic Cormier sealed the victory with an unassisted empty-net goal at 59:19, sending the Valentine’s crowd home jubilant.
Man of the Match honours fittingly went to Jack Dougherty, whose third-period go-ahead goal capped a warrior-like performance from the blue line. After suffering a heavy hit in the second period that left him bloodied, Dougherty showed tremendous character to return, log important minutes, and fire home what proved to be the game-winner in front of a roaring Arena crowd. For the Blaze, late first-period scorer Grant Mismash took the award after his clinical breakaway finish gave Coventry their early advantage.
The Steelers’ third period dominance underlined their character and belief as the title chase continues. Attention now turns to Challenge Cup action on Wednesday night, with Nottingham Panthers the opponents for the first leg of the semi-final, before a league double-header against the Guildford Flames next weekend. The momentum is firmly with the Steelers… and long may it
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