Devils come from behind to advance

Photos: David Williams

Cardiff Devils came from three goals down before they were eventually able to beat Coventry Blaze in a shootout. That win was enough to ensure they qualify for the Quarter-Finals of the Challenge Cup automatically.

Goals from Evan Bloodoff and Andrew Johnston nine seconds apart gave Coventry a dream first period at the Viola Arena, leading by two after 14:44. When Matt Pohlkamp made it 3-0 with just under 25 minutes played the Blaze looked to be heading for another road win.

However, Joey Haddad got Cardiff's fightback going at 27:33, before Mike McNamee make it a one-goal game with 1:39 left in period two. The game was all tied by Bryce Reddick at 48:15, but there was more drama still to come. Coventry re-took the lead with only 3:22 to play as Luke Ferrara shot past Ben Bowns, however Stephen Dixon came to the Devils' rescue with 97 seconds left of regulation.

Neither side found a way through in the overtime period, which meant it came down to a shootout. In the opening five rounds only Sean McMonagle and Blair Riley found the target for the Devils, while Evan Bloodoff and Andrew Johnston were successful for the Blaze. It needed three more rounds before McMonagle finally found the net again, with Charles Corcoran missing the decisive shot for Coventry.

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