Match report

Despite taking a 3-1 lead into the first period intermission, the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze suffered a 3-6 defeat to Elite League leaders Cardiff Devils at the Skydome Arena.

Cardiff opened the first period scoring through Patrick Asselin, a back-door tap-in at 2.06 but Blaze fought back with three unanswered goals.

Captain Jordan Pietrus first with his 9th of the season at 4.59 on what was a perfect powerplay for the Blaze on the night (2/2).

Player/assistant coach Ashley Tait then made it 2-1, the second with the man advantage. American forward Barry Almeida registering assists on both opening goals to mark his home debut.

Blaze Man of the Match, David Clements then registered his first goal for the club at 10.57, a second assist on the night for Brett Robinson to end the opening period 3-1.

The second period began with a penalty shot to the visitors, Andrew Hotham missing the net at 21.45.

Chris Culligan though found the net at 30.26 for the Welsh side before Joey Haddad tied things at 3 (37.53) as the middle period came to its conclusion.

The Welsh side took the lead at 41.46, an inch-perfect stretch pass from Gleason Fournier finding Gui Doucet who beat Brian Stewart for 3-4.

Culligan added a personal second at 52.16 for 3-5 before Devils' player/coach Andrew Lord ended the game 3-6 at 59.08.

Head Coach Danny Stewart said, "We played 30 minutes of fantastic hockey, and as far as I'm concerned a couple of missed calls, but that happens it's part of the game. We're still in a good position going into the third, we have just got to win a period at home and an error on our part defensively, and the guy sneaks in behind us and that's the go-ahead goal, then we get caught a little bit pushing. Their 5th goal came right off our guys stick and I believe their 3rd goal was off Bouts' skate too. It's one of their stretches where it seems when things aren't going great you don't get the luck either, but you've got to work hard and hope that the luck turns over and goes your way."

#HC Danny Stewart

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#16 Jordan Pietrus

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#56 Kevin Noble

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Highlights