BLAZE picked up an unlikely four-point-weekend against the league’s top two sides after defeating Cardiff on Saturday in the Welsh capital and Sheffield Steelers the following evening at the Skydome.
It was to be the last game at the ‘Big Blue Tent’ in Cardiff and Blaze spoiled the party after coming from behind to win 2-1.
Jordan Pietrus slammed home the winning goal at 51.44 – following up from new signing Chris Bruton’s marker at the end of the second period.
Blaze’s form carried over into Sunday in an all-action encounter at the Skydome as Brenden Walker slammed home a pair of world class goals to deny Sheffield any points.
Blaze opened their account less than two minutes into the game as Brett Robinson tapped in a bobbling puck from close range and Walker rippled home his first goal just minutes later as Coventry led 2-0 at the end of the first period.
A quick response saw the Steelers get themselves back on level terms through a timely powerplay goal by Jeff Legue.
Once again though, it was Walker who beat Steelers goaltender Marek Pinc for speed as he put Blaze ahead with just seconds remaining in the second period.
Jordan Pietrus then added to the Blaze account to double their lead to two goals – despite Sheffield’s late efforts they couldn’t break Brian Stewart as Coventry won 4-2.
A post-game fight between several Blaze and Steelers players broke out, Blaze coach Chuck Weber praised the officials as they prevented something which could’ve “turned nasty”.
He said: “Both sides battled for every inch of ice tonight and we had to be prepared.
“If we made a mistake it could’ve cost us the game but fortunately we won and every point at this stage is huge.
“The puck seems to explode from Walker’s stick, he doesn’t need space and I think the Sheffield goaltender was over-thinking at times.
“Our third goal was huge, it was a massive momentum swing and the goal matched Walker’s identity as a goalscorer.
“We’ll regroup and plan for next weekend, there’s no time to think about the playoffs at the moment.”
