Waller wins it in OT after Devils come back from two down

Photo: James Assinder

Cardiff Devils came from two down to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the next round of the 2022/23 Premier Sports Challenge Cup against Coventry Blaze.

The Devils were stunned when Mitch Cook finished off a broken play to put the Blaze ahead just 13 seconds into things, with the home side losing possession of the puck in their own zone. A rocket shot from David Clements doubled the visitors' lead with 8:30 played, though they were grateful to Paavo Hölsä for an excellent save off Jake Coughler as the period ticked down.

After a run and gun period two, Josh Waller pulled the Devils back to within one with a goal just milliseconds before the buzzer to set up a one-goal game going into the third period.

The hosts were potentially looking at elimination from the cup if they were to lose, but rallied and found an equaliser. Marcus Crawford shot past a diving Hölsä 3:09 into period three, although the Blaze felt there should have been a hooking minor earlier on the play. 

Each team took a point as the game remained tied through 60 minutes, despite chances at either end with Coventry especially dangerous on some late penalty kills. In the bonus period, a moment of brilliance form Josh Waller gave the Devils the overtime winner to temporarily put them top of cup Group B.