Flames fight back for important win, eliminate Flyers

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames scored two goals in 31 seconds to take both points on offer on Wednesday night against Coventry Blaze.

Coventry raced into an early two-goal lead at the Spectrum with Janne Laakkonen opening the scoring just 47 seconds in, before doubling the visitors' lead six minutes later off a clever Ryan Penny feed from behind the goal line. 

John Dunbar pulled the hosts back into one with a powerplay goal at 13:38 as the period ended 1-2. Luke Ferrara put the Blaze back two ahead at 25:26, but that 1-3 scoreline was about to change in the third period.

Ian McNulty had the Flames back to within one at 46:22, before Ian Watters got the final touch in close at 48:47 to tie the game. Just 31 seconds later, Jake Bolton shot through traffic to put the Flame ahead for the first time on the night - a goal that was upheld after video review.

The Flames held on for the one-goal win which, with Manchester losing, moved them six points clear in a playoff space. In turn, their win eliminated Fife from playoff contention.