Genting Casino Coventry Blaze went down to a 6-4 Elite League defeat to Manchester Storm at the Altrincham Ice Arena.
Russell Cowley got the go-ahead goal for Blaze on the powerplay at 13.36 but David Phillips tied it up against his former club 89 seconds into the middle session.
Ross Venus, who netted the game-winning goal in last season’s play-off final, restored Blaze’s lead just 20 seconds later.
Matty Davies levelled at 27.59 and was then ejected for abuse of official (33.42) before Venus grabbed his second of the game at 35.07.
Three unanswered markers from Patrik Valcak (40.56 powerplay), Grant Toulmin (49.09 powerplay) and Vinny Scarsella (50.05) helped Storm open up a two-goal cushion.
Captain Ashley Tait reduced the deficit at 55.52 but a short-handed empty-net strike from Toulmin wrapped up the points for Storm.
Coach Chuck Weber said: “We need to be more consistent.
“We had some good moments but the biggest message I told the boys is we must learn from our successes and learn from our mistakes.
“We got the puck deep which led to both of Venus’ goals and if we play the right way we can be pretty successful.
“But we also turned the puck over and had some momentum-changers and offensive-turning moments which we didn’t take.
“There were some good flashes but we need to be more consistent to get over this hump.”
Blaze now turn their attention to Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome on Sunday night (5.15pm face-off) when before the game the play-off championship banner will be raised.
Weber added: “At the beginning we will pay honour to the hard work and perseverance of last year’s team but once the game starts we must search for a consistent 60-minute game.
“Nottingham embarrassed us in their building, they come in waves, and it will be a huge test for us.”
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