COVENTRY Blaze enjoyed a four-point weekend in the Challenge Cup with back-to-back victories against Guildford Flames and Cardiff Devils.
Blaze netminder Mat Robson produced heroics in both games as Coventry beat the Flames 5-3 at the Guildford Spectrum and then won 2-1 against the Devils at the Skydome.
Robson made several early saves against Guildford before the home side broke the deadlock at 8.22 when Tyler Busch fired a home a one-timer between the goaltender’s pads.
However, Coventry equalised on the 14-minute mark as Grant Mismash opened his Blaze account after good work from Alessio Luciani.
Blaze completed the turnaround at 21.41 when Mike Pelech netted his first Coventry goal after Kim Tallberg capitalised on a Flames turnover.
Despite the net being off its moorings, a video review confirmed the puck would have crossed the line.
Robson made a fine save to deny Flames on a breakaway before Coventry successfully defended a five-on-three scenario for almost two minutes.
Guildford eventually drew level at 34.54 as Lewis Hook reacted quickest to turn the puck home following a goalmouth scramble.
Blaze reclaimed the lead at 39.11 when Luciani rifled a shot past Flames netminder Taz Burman.
And the visitors extended their lead at 41.07 on the powerplay as birthday boy Matthew Gleason redirected Jere Vertanen’s attempt into the net.
The Flames hit back almost immediately at 41.52 as Cole Ully cut the deficit to a single goal before Robson somehow kept the puck out moments later following a frantic scramble.
Robson made another crucial stop later in the third period before Blaze sealed the points at 51.39 as Sam Ruffin also scored his first goal for the club.
Coventry then battled to a hard-fought victory against Cardiff as Blaze recovered from an early deficit to secure a third win from four Challenge Cup outings.
Robson again inspired Blaze to victory as he made 45 saves after Ryan Barrow put the visitors ahead after just 53 seconds at the Skydome.
Coventry eventually drew level at 20.53 when Pelech pounced to finish on the rebound after Devils netminder Christian Stoever spilled Mismash’s initial shot.
And Blaze completed the turnaround at 42.03 as Colton Saucerman fired home in a display which saw the defenceman log 35 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time.
Coventry continue their Challenge Cup campaign against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday, September 27 with the face-off at 7pm at the Utilita Arena.
Blaze then host Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, September 28 with the face-off at 5.30pm at the Skydome.
