Flames got behind early and were unable to mount a full recovery at Coventry as the Blaze skated on to an eventual 3-2 win over the visiting Surrey side.
A pair of opening period Brandon Alderson goals, the first just 81 seconds in and another in the 12th minute, secured their 2 goal lead. Efforts to extend their margin on a late period 5 on 3 powerplay were not successful with Flames penalty killing ensuring they would start the 2nd still just 2 goals off the pace.
Flames deficit did increase, though, just over 5 minutes into the 2nd with a David Clements strike. Flames powerplay was put to work late in the 2nd, some of it 4 on 3, but they were unable to cut into the difference.
A powerplay in the 49th minute did get Flames on the board thanks to Brett Ferguson. A little under 3 minutes later, during a delayed penalty where the visitors skated 6 on 5, Brett Welychka pulled Flames within a single, but they could not find another before time ran out.
Jake Kupsky made 20 saves on 23 shots against Mat Robson for Coventry who was 17 for 19.
“I liked what we did in the 3rd to try and get ourselves back in it, but unfortunately we had already suffered the damage early in the game and getting it all back was just too much to ask by then,” admitted Paul Dixon.
“You want to come out in games and set your own pace early, and I thought Coventry did that for themselves and they got the jump on us to make most of our night a tough uphill climb.”
“Next weekend we have the luxury of being on home ice for both games and no travel burden, so we will work to gear ourselves up for a good showing on each of those nights against Fife and Belfast.”
