A clinical home performance from the hosts saw them dominate Coventry from start to finish, running out deserved 4–2 winners.

A first professional goal for the ever-willing Francis kickstarted proceedings for the Storm in the opening period. A strong face-off win by Caines found Francis in the slot, who fired first time into Coventry’s net. This advantage was quickly doubled after a hugely favourable kick off the end boards landed at the feet of a gleeful Dudek in the 11th minute. A complete opening twenty minutes from Manchester was capped off with a third goal — a low, five-hole finish from Cutler with just 2.5 seconds left on the clock.

The middle stanza was punctuated by multiple minor penalties, which largely disrupted the usual flow of the game. A Storm fourth was added on the man advantage near the midway point, as a deft deflection by Haden from Welsh’s initial point shot evaded Stewart. This goal on special teams would undoubtedly have left the Blaze ruing their chanceless powerplay opportunities.

Heading into the final period, Coventry were evidently willing to throw caution to the wind, and a significantly heightened forecheck left gaps at the back. The opening half of the last twenty saw Stewart do well to keep out one-on-one opportunities for Crawley, Haden, and Cutler. What first appeared to be a consolation marker for Coventry saw Ruffin finish beyond the attempted glove save of Weninger with just under five minutes remaining. However, some further ill-discipline by the Storm enabled Gleason to fire in a second for Coventry on the powerplay just 25 seconds after their first, setting up an unexpectedly tense end to the game.

Words by: Callum Schora