COVENTRY Blaze suffered a third period collapse in a 6-3 home defeat against Guildford Flames.
Blaze took a two-goal advantage into the final period courtesy of strikes from Jack Hopkins, Nick Seitz and Mike Regush at the Skydome Arena.
However, the Flames produced a stunning comeback to scorch Blaze with five unanswered goals and leave the home side stunned.
The result means Coventry sit sixth in the Elite League standings.
Blaze capitalised on a strong start to take the lead at 12.42 as Hopkins broke the deadlock after superb play from defenceman Archie Hazeldine.
However, Guildford drew level at 18.10 when Lewis Hook snapped a shot past Mat Robson in the Blaze net.
The home side reclaimed the lead early in the second period at 25.06 as Seitz scored on the powerplay with Charlie Dodero sent to the box for tripping Regush.
And Blaze deservedly extended their lead at 38.23 when Regush finished off some slick play by Brandon Alderson.
The Flames responded at 44.21 as Brett Ferguson deflected Daniel Tedesco’s shot into the net.
And the visitors equalised at 46.42 when Charlie Curti finished well on the powerplay.
Guildford completed a sensational turnaround at 50.52 as Ethan Strang fired home following a string of saves from Robson.
And the Flames added two late goals courtesy of Matt Alvaro at 56.54 and Hook at 58.30 with the latter finishing into an empty net.
Coventry are next in action against Manchester Storm on Saturday, February 1 with the face-off at 7pm at Planet Ice Altrincham.
Blaze then host Fife Flyers on Sunday, February 2 with the face-off at 5.30pm at the Skydome.
