COVENTRY Blaze claimed an impressive win at Sheffield Steelers before suffering a home defeat against Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup.
Blaze won 2-0 against the Steelers at the Utilita Arena only to lose 3-0 against the Panthers at the Skydome Arena on home ice.
The results leave Coventry in third place in Group A with the group winners and runners-up to advance directly to the semi-finals.
Coventry battled to a hard-fought win against Sheffield despite losing Elijiah Barriga to injury just minutes before the face-off.
Blaze killed an early penalty before Sheffield’s Stephen Harper struck the inside of the post only for the puck to bounce to safety.
The first period ended goalless before Coventry broke the deadlock at 27.02 when Archie Hazeldine fired past Steelers netminder Matthew Greenfield.
And Blaze doubled their lead at 42.33 as captain Kim Tallberg found the net after good work from Alessio Luciani and Jack Hopkins.
The visitors then survived three Sheffield powerplay opportunities as Mat Robson and the Blaze defence held firm.
Coventry almost extended their lead late on only for Greenfield to deny Grayson Constable following a mix-up in the Sheffield zone with Blaze shorthanded.
The Steelers pulled Greenfield for an extra skater with 2.13 left to play and applied late pressure only for Robson to record a 40-shot shutout.
However, Blaze then suffered defeat at home to Nottingham to lose for just the second time this season.
Kevin Moore’s side made a strong start but could not find a way past Panthers netminder Kevin Carr despite having 20 shots on goal in the first period.
However, that came after Nottingham broke the deadlock after just 48 seconds as Matthew Marcinew finished on the rebound after Robson initially denied Brendan Harris.
Blaze’s best chance to draw level saw Colton Saucerman’s stick shatter when he lined up a slapshot.
The second period ended scoreless as the Panthers took a narrow one-goal into the final 20 minutes.
And the visitors eventually doubled their advantage at 56.29 when Chase Pearson deflected David Noel’s point shot into the net.
Blaze pulled Robson for an extra skater with 2.14 remaining only for Zsombor Garat to seal victory for Nottingham at 58.35 with an effort from long range.
Coventry continue their Challenge Cup campaign against Cardiff Devils on Saturday, October 4 with the face-off at 7pm at the Vindico Arena.
Blaze then host Guildford Flames on Sunday, October 5 with the face-off at 5.30pm at the Skydome.
