COVENTRY Blaze’s Challenge Cup semi-final prospects hang in the balance following a 4-3 defeat against Cardiff Devils.
Blaze twice surrendered the lead at the Skydome Arena as the Devils staged a third period comeback to win a thrilling contest.
Coventry’s fate is now out of their control with the final group game between Cardiff and Nottingham Panthers decisive for both teams.
Blaze broke the deadlock at 13.43 when Brandon Alderson found the net against his former club from Mike Regush’s sublime pass.
However, Cardiff responded in the second period at 25.42 as Reid Duke finally beat Mat Robson in the Blaze goal to level the game.
And the Devils completed the turnaround at 35.55 when Evan Mosey’s shot evaded several defenders on its way into the net.
Coventry spurned a powerplay opportunity to restore parity before Chase Gresock scored a sensational Michigan goal just 18 seconds into the third period as he lifted the puck onto his stick and executed a lacrosse-style shot to equalise for the home side.
And Blaze reclaimed the lead at 48.38 when Jackson Cressey poked the puck past a sprawling Ben Bowns in the Cardiff net.
However, Cardiff drew level just 32 seconds later as Tyler Busch pounced on a sloppy turnover.
The game’s decisive moment came at 50.51 when Duke was allowed time and space to score his second goal of the night.
Blaze pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes as the Devils held firm to secure a crucial victory.
The defeat means Coventry sit third in the group which would set up a one-off play-off game against Glasgow Clan for a place in the semi-finals.
However, Cardiff could eliminate Blaze from the competition if they secure a single point against Nottingham in the final group game.
Coventry return to Elite League action against Dundee Stars on Saturday, December 14 with the face-off at 7pm at the Skydome.
Blaze then travel to Fife Flyers on Sunday, December 15 with the face-off at 5.15pm at the Skydome.
