Coventry Blaze 2 Cardiff Devils 3

Challenge Cup holders Cardiff secured a vital victory away at Group C rivals Coventry on Sunday evening, with the Blaze’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals now left hanging by a thread as a result.

After a goalless first period, defenceman Drew Paris put the Devils ahead with a powerplay goal just over seven minutes into the middle frame.

Paul Crowder added a second for Cardiff in the 34th minute, as the Welsh side outshot their hosts 13-4 during the period.

The Blaze were not out of it however, with Marc-Olivier Vallerand’s powerplay goal two minutes into the final stanza providing a lifeline for Danny Stewart’s side.

The two-goal cushion was restored a little over four minutes later however, Devils player-coach Andrew Lord providing the finish.

Again the Blaze found a way to pull themselves back into the game, captain Jordan Pietrus beating Cardiff goaltender Ben Bowns just 45-seconds later, but the home side couldn’t find an equaliser.