Genting Casino Coventry Blaze registered a 3-3 tie with Nottingham Panthers in the first leg of their Elite League play-off quarter-final at the National Ice Centre.
Blaze welcomed Steve Goertzen, who captained Sheffield Steelers to play-off glory last season, back into the line-up with Jereme Tendler sitting out.
Ryan O’Marra, in his last season as a player, put Blaze ahead at 6.40 before assisting on Ben Arnt’s powerplay marker at 10.41.
Goals from Brandon Benedict (26.08 powerplay) and Guillaume Doucet (30.53) tied the game up but Derek Lee nudged Blaze back in front on the powerplay at 35.26.
Doucet’s second, on the powerplay at 53.44, ensured the second leg at the Skydome tomorrow night (5.15pm face-off) is delicately poised.
Coach Chuck Weber said: “It was play-off hockey, it was two teams going hard to the net and both both goalies played well. It is going to be another battle tomorrow night.
“I knew Panthers were going to come, it is about how you manage those moments, but I was proud of the way we got the powerplay goal to go back 3-2 up and they then got a powerplay goal with six minutes left.
“It was a hard-fought game and we wanted to take a lead back with us or be at least tied so it is now up to us to finish it tomorrow night.
“I have been pretty critical of them recently but I thought they found another level but I still think they have another level.”
Goertzen was back after a nine-game injury absence and Weber added: “He had three big hits in the first period, he leads by example, he goes to the hard areas, he finishes his hits, he is gritty and has skill, he has a high hockey IQ and helps create chances.”
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