Gresock hits hat trick with OT winner

Photo: Scott Wiggins

Chase Gresock scored all three goals for Coventry Blaze as they beat Guildford Flames 3-2 in overtime to move into fifth place in the Elite League standings.

"It feels great, I’m happy that the team ground out the win,” said the Blaze’s hat-trick hero. “It shows a lot of character and resilience from our team after the game in Nottingham, that we can back home and were able to get this win. This is the most fun time of the year, it’s great that we’re right there, and anything can happen."

Guildford took the lead after just 22 seconds when Jake Jacome's shot was tipped past Mat Robson in front by Matt Alvaro. The home side did push back with some good chances themselves, drawing Jake Kupsky into a good glove save to keep the Devils ahead. With 42 seconds left in the period, Gresock got on the end of a rebound from an Alex Kuqali shot to tie things up.

Coventry started period two the stronger but were unble to find another way past Kupsky. That was, however, until the Flames took a face-off violation minor and Gresock fired past Kupsky to put the Blaze ahead at 32:45. That lead didn't last long though, with Brett Welychka ting things up under three minutes later to make it all square heading into the third.

The Blaze had two powerplay opportunities to try and win the game inside the final ten minutes of period three, but a bounce wide or an excellent block prevented them form beating Kupsky again. 

Both teams deserved the point they got with the game heading into overtime, and it looked as if it might be another shootout that was needed to decide the game between these teams. Gresock had other ideas, though, and won it with 11 seconds to go in OT to get the Blaze the extra point.