Blaze rout Panthers to go top of league

Photo: Pathers Images

Coventry Blaze backed up their home win over Nottingham six days ago with a 6-1 thrashing of the Panthers on the road, a result which sent them top of the Premier Sports Elite League.

Coventry raced into a two-goal lead inside 12 minutes at the Motorpoint Arena. Colton Yellow Horn opened the scoring at 4:31 picking up the puck off the back boards and slotting home after Jack Billings' initial shot.

Marley Quince's quick hands poked home his own rebound at 11:15 to put the visitors in command, while Billings' backhanded rebound finish at 18:29 had Coventry three ahead after the first period.

At 25:03, Mitch Cook finished in front after neat setup play from Kim Tallberg down low on the powerplay to make it four. Alex Dubeau replaced Jack Berry in net halfway through period two, but he was beaten when Quince struck again at 31:10 to give the visitors a five-goal lead. With 3:18 left in the middle frame, Peyton Frantti's shot crept through Dubeau's five-hole for the 6-0 lead.

Mike Hammond converted a penalty shot in the third period with what was one of few positive moments for the Panthers on the night.