AN OPENING goal couldn’t be built on for the Coventry Blaze tonight as Sheffield Steelers netted six times, denying Danny Stewart’s men any points.
Without the services of star defenceman David Clements, who missed the clash due to illness, Blaze scored first – but were then on the receiving end of six unanswered goals.
After a 3-0 shutout on Sunday night at the Skydome against the Belfast Giants, Blaze started the game strongly and were soon ahead as Garrett Klotz poked home a puck set-up from Swede Robin Bergman after 15 minutes.
Sheffield responded just two minutes later though as Zack Fitzgerald provided the home side’s first marker at 17.09.
Though the scores remained tied at the half way stage, Sheffield soon started to dominate – and with just five minutes left in the second period both Ratchuk and Fretter found the back of Brian Stewart’s net.
A Blaze time-out held the Steelers temporarily, but further domination resumed in the third period as Fretter earned his second goal and Roy added to his earlier assist to make it five for the Steelers.
Desbiens made it a convincing 6-1 after 49 minutes – putting the game beyond reach for Danny Stewart’s side.
Both sides meet again in less than 24 hours for the return fixture at the Skydome (7.30pm.)
