Danny Stewart admitted Coventry Blaze had no-one to blame but themselves for missing out on the Elite League play-offs.

Blaze failed to secure a place in the EIHL post-season for the first time in their history following a 4-1 defeat at Sheffield Steelers on Sunday.

As the teams entered the ice for the third period, news that Nottingham Panthers were drawing at Manchester Storm filtered through to Sheffield Arena lifting Coventry’s play-off hopes.

However, the Steelers bagged three goals in just over three minutes to end the dream and leave Stewart reflecting on a disappointing campaign.

“On the game for two periods we played some of our best hockey of the year,” said Stewart.

“It was unfortunate in the third – we made an individual error and they go up 2-1. Then, from what I’ve seen, a whistle was blown on the third one but the goal was allowed to stand.

“But I don’t want this to sound like sour grapes. I just said to the guys, there’s no one to blame but ourselves.

“We put ourselves in this position by not finding the consistency throughout the season.”

(Image permission: Scott Wiggins)