Steelers Take a Point in Coventry but the Blaze Grab the OT Winner
Game 2 of the weekend for the Steelers in Coventry and Aaron Fox sent the same side out that had won in Manchester last night.
It wasn’t to be for the Steelers in Coventry tonight, going down to a 4 on 3 power-play goal in overtime against the Blaze ( a 3 point weekend after beating Manchester.)
2 Goals for Joona Huutula but an injury worry with Mark Simpson missing the majority of the game.
Steelers travel to Cardiff on Wednesday for the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi final (with a 2 goal advantage after the 5-3 home win last weekend.)
First Period
Coventry had the first chance of the night firing wide past Matt Gtreenfields goal.
Dominic Cormier joined the play late and created a chance for himself moments later
04.13 and Chase Gresock opened the scoring for the Blaze with a shot over Greenfields shoulder.
Joona Huutula went end to end with his shot saved by Robson
Marco Vallerand was next, his initial shot was saved, he tried again on the rebound but Rob smothered the puck to retain the Blaze’s lead.
Steelers tilted the ice, the Whist (Dowd and Vallerand) and Simpson (Leavens and Tansey) lines both creating offence.
It was however the fourth unit that sucedded, Shudra sand Ulrick working hard setting up Huutula who hammered home for the equalising goal (1-1)
Mikko Juusola cut in from the wing and went close, Robson denied and held on to the puck
Blaze then had not one, two but three great chances with Greenfield closing the door
18.48 and Blaze led again, Seitz the scorer after the Steelers had given the puck up on their line
19.52 and the first penalty of the night, against Dominic Cormier for cross checking, so the Blaze will open the middle period with the one man advantage
End of the first period: Blaze 2-1 Steelers
Second Period
Blaze opened the period on the power-play but Steelers were commanding and killed well
Vallerand goes close as he tries shooting high, Robson denied and then did the same top both Ciampini and Balmas as the Steelers turned the screws.
Steelers bench on their feet after Juusola appeared to get speared, no call and at the next whistle a confrontation with the officials saw a misconduct penalty served by Daniel Leavens.
Steelers again killed and Leavens returned
Cormier with a long range effort forced another save from Robson, who moments later made another incredible stop on Balmas
Huutula with a nice finish joining the play tied the game and then all hell broke out afterwards with Dowd and Kennedy pairing off and then heading to the bench for 5 minutes each (2-2)
Turnover Blaze and Mikko so close
Vallerand end to end and his back hand shot is well saved, Cormier just can’t get to the rebound
Ciampini does great work and breaks through the middle of the ice, his shot inches over the bar
37.06 and Blaze penalty, Hopkins for hooking, Steelers first PP of the night
Mid way through the Blaze throw the puck over the glass, no further penalty called
Blaze kill and we have it all to play for in the thirds period
Blaze 2-2 Steelers
Third Period
41.29 and Brien Diffley to the box for roughing, then just before the re-start Blaze’s Cresey called for interference and we were levelled up.
Joona Huutula caught with a high stick and he headed back to the bench for treatment
Great chance for Mikko, the Blaze turn the puck over in their own zone and Juusola has a one on with with Robson, who makes the save.
Dowdy drives wide and gets the puck to the net with Leavens driving forward, he just can’t connect and another chance goes by.
Whilst Steelers were dominating, the Blaze broke and the impressive Cormier with an incredible stick breaks up the play
Brilliant work from Mikko as he pulls a move to get free and go in alone on Robson who again denies
With just 2.04 remaining a hell of a scramble around Greenfield’s goal, all hands on deck and the puck is cleared.
After 3 periods, both teams have a point and the battle is on for an overtime winner
Overtime
Blaze had the first chance shooting wide on a 2 on 1 break, then at the other end Mitchell Balmas hit the post with his shot
Blaze attacked and Mikko Juusola was called for hooting at 60.57
61.47 and Chase Gresock scores the winner for the Blaze
Final score: Coventry Blaze 3-2 Steelers (after OT)