Lindskoug backstops Flames to home cup win

Photo: John Uwins

Kevin Lindskoug recorded his third shutout of the season to help the Guildford Flames to a two-goal home victory over the Coventry Blaze in the Premier Sports challenge Cup.

These two sides - facing off for the third time this season - matched each other throughout the opening phases of play with both goaltenders proving stubborn in their respective nets. The Flames had plenty of scoring opportunities - including back-to-back powerplays - but couldn’t breach the Blaze defence.

In-form Kevin Lindskoug then produced a fantastic save to stop Nathanael Halbert with 2:54 remaining in the period to keep the game goalless at the first intermission.

Guildford came out flying for the middle third and opened the scoring at 2:13 on the powerplay. With Dillon Eichstadt serving a two-minute minor for slashing Jake Bolton squared the puck across goal for Jordan Cownie to hammer home.

The Flames almost extended their lead two minutes later but Motte produced a great save and thwarted the home side again moments later with two quickfire saves from Kyle Locke and Tristan Frei. The Blaze grew into the period and forced Lindskoug into action with 1:39 remaining in the period but the Swede made a phenomenal stop to keep the score 1-0.

The third was another close affair, with the Flames surviving a five-minute penalty kill after Kyle Locke was ejected from the game for a check to the head. Either side of some good chances and more excellent goaltending, David Broll also left the game early for an incident inside the final three minutes, but it was the Flames who got the all-important next goal - CJ Motte was pulled for the extra skater with 2:26 to go, but Robert Lachowicz hit the empty net with 10 seconds left after the Blaze couldn't keep the puck in the attacking zone.

Guildford go back to the top of Challenge Cup B with the victory, while Coventry will need to win in the reverse meeting tomorrow to keep their chances of finishing in the top two alive.

by Dan Blackham

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