The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze have work to do in the Playoff Quarter-Finals after falling 0–2 to the Cardiff Devils in a frustrating First-Leg at Skydome Arena on Saturday night.
The Blaze started brightly, applying early pressure, and it was Great Britain international Ben Bowns who kept the Devils level with a string of key saves. At the other end, Mat Robson matched him with a big glove stop to deny the visitors, before Cardiff ended the opening period with a powerplay opportunity.
Bowns opened the middle frame with a crucial double save, and just moments later, the Devils made the breakthrough. At 23.20, Sam Duggan was allowed too much space in the slot and beat Robson with a low shot, assisted by Ben Davies.
Blaze were handed their first powerplay of the series soon after, and while they generated good pressure, Cardiff’s penalty kill stood firm.
The Devils doubled their lead at 31.55 when Tyler Busch outmuscled his marker and forced Ryan Barrow’s pass over the line from close range.
Despite trailing 0–2, Blaze continued to create chances. Jackson Cressey came inches from cutting the deficit early in the third, his solo effort trickling agonisingly wide of Bowns’ post.
The inspired Bowns again came up huge for Cardiff, denying Nick Seitz with a wonder stop in the closing moments.
A late powerplay gave Coventry one last chance to take something into the Second-Leg, but the Devils’ defensive discipline saw them through.
Bowns was awarded the Man of the Match for the Devils, completing a 34 shot shut-out to take a two-goal advantage back to Cardiff.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
