The Manchester Storm used their powerplay to stage a dramatic third period comeback, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze in Altrincham on Friday night.
The Storm wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, striking just 47 seconds into the game. Stephen Johnson’s spinning backhand effort slipped through the five-hole of Mat Robson, with Tyler Hinam and Ryan Hughes picking up the assists on the play.
Despite the early setback, the Blaze responded strongly and found the equaliser at 5.40. Brandon Alderson’s precise cross-ice pass located Alessio Luciani at the back door, and he finished clinically.
The first period saw just one penalty, with Storm’s C.J. Garcia heading to the box for interference at 15.10. However, with the infraction successfully killed off, the teams entered the first intermission tied at 1-1.
Coventry’s league-best powerplay unit wasted little time making an impact in the second period. With Johnson serving a hooking penalty, a powerful shot from David Clements at the point was redirected into the net via Kim Tallberg and Luciani, who was credited with his second of the night at 20.59.
Luciani registered his hat-trick, and 23rd goal of the regular season at 26.54. Breaking down the ice on a two-on-one with Alderson, he opted to fire past David Tendeck instead of using the passing option, giving the Blaze a well-earned 1-3 lead.
However, Coventry’s discipline issues in the second half of the middle frame allowed the Storm back into the contest. A 5-on-3 powerplay opportunity carried into the third period, and at 41.37, Jake Durflinger squeezed the puck in from a tight angle, assisted by Loren Ulett and Johnson.
The penalty trouble continued for the Blaze, ultimately costing them the game. With Chase Gresock in the box, the ever-dangerous Johnson notched his second goal of the night at 53.02 to tie the game at 3-3.
Just 35 seconds later, another Coventry penalty proved costly. Brady Poteau’s slashing infraction paved the way for Craig Martin to fire home the go-ahead goal, giving the Storm their third powerplay tally of the night and a decisive 4-3 lead.
In a last-ditch effort to salvage the game, the Blaze pulled goaltender Robson in the final minute, but their push for an equaliser was met with resilient Storm defence.
The final buzzer sealed a hard-fought victory for the home side, while Coventry were left frustrated at the start of a demanding three-game stretch in three nights.
Photo credit: Mark Ferriss
