Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s brace proved the difference as the Owls went down 2-0 at Coventry.
The Japanese dangerman was the primary Sky Blues threat all afternoon and it was his goals either side of half time that settled this Boxing Day clash.
For Wednesday, it was a familiar story, one of chances created and chances missed, while Coventry and Sakamoto made no mistake.
And to compound a grim afternoon in the Midlands, Bambo Diaby received a red card after the final whistle for a scuffle with Liam Kitching, who was also dismissed.
The first half was relatively even until Wednesday suffered a double blow on 21 minutes.
Callum Paterson was forced out of the action and moments later, after lengthy treatment on the prostrate Scot, Coventry scored from their next attack.
Haji Wright found space down the left and looked up to pick out the advancing Sakamoto, who shot hard into the ground and the ball somewhat fortuitously found the far corner.
Di’Shon Bernard bravely got in the way of a thunderbolt from Sakamoto as the hosts seized control of the contest.
Despite their greater possession, though, a real cutting edge in the final third was absent and the Owls might have got a foothold back just before half time.
Marvin Johnson delivered an inviting cross deep from the left that found George Byers but the midfielder’s header flew high and wide.
Coventry tried to reassert their edge after the break and that man Sakamoto drilled just wide from the edge of the box.
But the Owls grew more and more into the game, forcing the hosts on the back foot. And on 64 minutes came a golden opportunity to draw level.
Brad Collins saved well from Liam Palmer and following a mini scramble, Anthony Musaba mishit his close range shot that allowed City to clear.
Coventry went straight upfield and had a clear opening of their own; Wright heading wide having motored into a goalscoring position in the box.
Wednesday forced a flurry of corners in the closing stages but it was City who had the last word.
With three minutes remaining, Sakamoto took possession and rifled home a delightful curler on the angle just inside the area to cement his man of the match performance.
Wednesday: Dawson, Palmer (Valentin 79), Diaby, Bernard, Famewo (Gassama 79), Johnson, Vaulks (Bakinson 79), Byers (Fletcher 60), Bannan, Paterson (Musaba 21), Cadamarteri (Phuti 84)