Jonathan Weaver scored Coventry's goal at the Skydome

Coventry Blaze's hopes of retaining their Elite League crown were dented with a 2-1 defeat by leaders Sheffield Steelers on Sunday.

Blaze began the weekend with a 6-2 victory at Hull Stingrays on Saturday.

But, despite out-shooting Steelers at the Skydome the following day, Coventry were unable to secure more points.

Blaze, on 57 points, are currently fourth in the table, 12 points behind Sheffield although they do have three games in hand.

Paul Thompson's side were comfortable winners on Humberside, ahead in all three periods of the match.

Russ Cowley (two), Barrie Moore, Blake Forsyth, Dan Carlson and Danny Stewart were among the goals.

Former Coventry net-minder Jody Lehman thwarted any hopes his former employers had of overturning Sheffield.

Lehman was only beaten once as Blaze let rip 41 shots at the Skydome.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead in the opening five minutes of the encounter thanks to Joey Talbot and Ryan Finnerty.

Jonathan Weaver pulled one back after the half-hour mark but despite putting the leaders under pressure in the final period, Coventry could not stick the puck between the pipes for a second time.

Next up for Blaze is the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final away to Belfast Giants. The tie is level at 1-1.

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