COVENTRY Blaze produced a stunning third period comeback to secure a 4-2 win against defending champions Sheffield Steelers.
Final period goals from Jakob Stridsberg, Chase Gresock and Zach Heintz sealed a memorable win for Blaze after Brandon Alderson netted in the first period at the Skydome Arena.
The result means Blaze sit third in the Elite League standings having won their first two league matches of the season.
Blaze made a sluggish start as Marc-Olivier Vallerand put the reigning Grand Slam champions ahead at 1.56 from Robert Dowd’s pass.
However, the home side responded well as Alderson levelled the game at 6.08 on the powerplay.
A physical first period saw Mitchell Balmas, Dowd and Jackson Cressey all receive roughing penalties at 13.27.
And Blaze goalscorer Alderson was then penalised for boarding followed by a checking-to-the-head penalty on Blaze defenceman Mike Kennedy to give the Steelers an extended five-on-three powerplay.
However, the Steelers failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage as the first period ended all square.
Blaze squandered a pair of glorious chances in a frantic second period as Alessio Luciani hit the post before Nick Seitz missed a two-on-zero opportunity.
And Sheffield made Blaze pay for those missed opportunities at 38.37 when Kevin Tansey fired past Mat Robson towards the end of the second period.
However, the game turned 40 seconds later with Sheffield’s Daniel Ciampini ejected for a cross-check to the head of Blaze defenceman Stridsberg.
The Steelers then had Brandon Whistle assessed for a minor penalty on the buzzer at the end of the second period.
And Blaze equalised for a second time at 42.01 as Stridsberg struck on the powerplay before Gresock completed the turnaround at 43.16 still on the powerplay.
The visitors pressed for a leveller only for Blaze to seal the points at 56.25 when Tallberg fed Heintz who scored his first professional goal following a two-on-one break.
Blaze head coach, Kevin Moore, said: “We played hard and learned how to extend a lead in a close game which was pleasing.
“But, ultimately I thought it was just a really good game, and we were able to find a way to win.
“Guys stepped up and make big plays and that’s what you have to do to win any game.”
Coventry are next in action against Glasgow Clan on Wednesday, October 16 with the face-off at 7.30pm at Braehead Arena.
