COVENTRY BLAZE boosted their hopes of qualifying for the Elite League playoffs with a 6-1 victory over Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome on Wednesday night.
Blaze welcomed forward Cale Tanaka back into the line-up with defenceman James Isaacs sitting out.
Coventry made an ideal start as Drew Fisher scored whilst the Blaze were shorthanded at 8.42 – shortly into the first period.
New signing Brenden Walker then scored twice inside 96 seconds at the start of the second period to extend the Blaze’s lead to three goals.
Jordan Pietrus added a fourth at 35.49 – prompting the Panthers to swap goaltenders as Miika Wiikman made way for Dan Green.
Brett Robinson continued his fine form posting another goal midway through the third period before Chris Bruton made it six at 51.08.
Eventual man of the match Brian Stewart was denied a clean sheet when Evan Mosey scored with just 71 seconds remaining.
Post game, Blaze head coach Chuck Weber said: “We stayed out of the box which was key.
“What I loved about this group was the pride they showed in the goals against.
“They were genuinely heartbroken that they gave up that goal late.
“That’s a huge sign for the level of professionalism and level of commitment to playoff style hockey which we showed tonight.”
