A second-period Coventry Blaze blitz saw them hammer Cardiff Devils 8-1 and keep them five points clear at the bmibaby Elite League summit.

The Devils, who have now suffered seven straight league defeats, led after the first period through Brad Voth.

But Blaze went on the rampage with seven goals after the restart, Dan Carlson, Neal Martin (two), Jonathan Weaver, Russell Cowley and Adam Calder (two) all finding the target.

Curtis Huppe completed the rout in the third period.

Blaze also boast three games in hand over second-placed Belfast Giants, who were 6-2 winners at Nottingham Panthers.

Elsewhere, Basingstoke Bison won a thriller at Hull Stingrays 7-6 after a penalty shootout, while Sheffield Steelers were 2-1 victors at Edinburgh Capitals.

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