Game Summary
The Sheffield Steelers overcame a tight first two periods to deliver a commanding 5-1 victory over the Dundee Stars, scoring four unanswered goals in the third to keep their Elite League title hopes alive.
The Steelers opened the scoring in the first period through Mikko Juusola, who pounced on a fortunate rebound to slot home at 8:55. Despite Dundee edging the shot count, Matthew Greenfield stood strong to maintain Sheffield’s 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Dundee found their equaliser in the second period when Ben O’Connor fired a blue-line rocket past Greenfield at 24:27, tying the game 1-1. The Steelers responded with a wave of offensive pressure, but Stars netminder Jarrett Fiske produced key stops, including a brilliant two-on-one save against Brandon Whistle and a one-on-one denial against Daniel Ciampini, sending the game into the final period deadlocked.
The third period belonged to the Steelers. Daniel Leavens struck at 45:48, his attempted pass deflecting off a Dundee defender and past Fiske to restore Sheffield’s lead. The floodgates opened late, as Marco Vallerand (56:04), Mikko Juusola (56:33), and Leavens again (59:05) all found the net, sealing a statement 5-1 win.
With Belfast Giants also winning, the Steelers remain three points behind with just three games left to play. Daniel Leavens was named Man of the Match, celebrating with a wheelbarrow race “Eddy” at centre ice.
The Steelers now head to Fife to face the Flyers tomorrow night, before a crucial home clash with Cardiff Devils next Saturday as they continue their title pursuit.
First Period [1-0] – Steelers Strike First in Tight Opening Period Against Stars
The Sheffield Steelers took a narrow 1-0 lead into the first intermission against the Dundee Stars, with Mikko Juusola’s goal proving the difference in a closely contested period at the Utilita Arena.
Before puckdrop, those in attendance were treated to the return of Grand Slammer and fan-favourite Tony Morrone who stopped over on his trip from Berlin back to North America.
With four games remaining in the Elite League season, the Steelers continue to chase down the Belfast Giants, who hold a three-point advantage at the top of the standings. The game saw the return of Brien Diffley from injury, slotting back into Sheffield’s defensive core, while Kevin Tansey shifted from defence to fourth-line forward alongside Cole Shudra.
The visiting Dundee Stars edged the shot count 10-9, but the Steelers found the only breakthrough. Kyle Pouncy had the first real test of Matthew Greenfield, firing from distance, but the Sheffield netminder dealt with it comfortably. At the other end, Daniel Leavens came close from the left wing before Greenfield was forced into action again, covering a bouncing puck around his crease.
The first penalty of the night came when Xavier Pouliot was called for boarding after a heavy hit on Kevin Tansey near the Stars’ bench. The Steelers’ powerplay struggled to generate high-quality chances, with Juusola’s long-range effort blocked in traffic.
At 8:55, the Steelers found the breakthrough. Juusola’s initial shot from the low slot was saved by Jarrett Fiske, but the rebound deflected off Brandon Whistle and landed perfectly for Juusola to slot home at the back post. Mitchell Balmas added the secondary assist. The goal was confirmed after a quick discussion by the officials to check for a hand-pass during the Whistle deflection.
Greenfield was the busier netminder as the period progressed, making key saves on Kameron Kielly and Ben O’Connor to preserve Sheffield’s lead. Despite Dundee leading the shot count, the Steelers carried a 1-0 advantage into the second period.
Second Period [1-1] – Steelers and Stars Locked at 1-1 After Second Period BattleTop of Form
The Steelers and Stars headed into the final period tied at 1-1, after a hard-fought second period that saw both teams trade momentum.
The Steelers edged ahead in shot count (26-19) by the end of the frame, but it was Dundee who found the only goal of the period. The Stars had the better start, while Sheffield grew into the game in the latter half, generating quality chances but unable to find a way past Jarrett Fiske.
Dundee got their breakthrough at 24:27, as Ben O’Connor fired a blue-line rocket past Matthew Greenfield blocker side. Craig Garrigan set up the one-time blast after receiving a pass from Xavier Pouliot, with heavy traffic in front leaving Greenfield with little chance to react.
The Steelers pushed back in the second half of the period, with their best chances coming from Mikko Juusola’s speed and Dominic Cormier’s playmaking from the back end, but Fiske stood tall.
The Dundee netminder’s biggest save came on a two-on-one break, where Juusola fed Brandon Whistle at the back post, only for Fiske to slide across and deny him with the blocker. Moments later, Daniel Ciampini broke free on a one-on-one after a stretch pass, but again, Fiske had the answer.
Despite the Steelers’ late push, the game remained deadlocked at 1-1 heading into the final period, setting up a thrilling conclusion in Sheffield.
Third Period [5-1] – Steelers Dominate Third Period to Overpower Stars 5-1
The Steelers turned a tense 1-1 game into a commanding 5-1 victory with a relentless third-period performance, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a crucial two points in the Elite League title race.
Daniel Leavens led the charge with two goals in the final frame, while Mikko Juusola added his second of the night and Marco Vallerand delivered a rocket of a one-timer to seal the win.
The breakthrough came at 45:48, as Daniel Leavens looked to send a pass across the crease but got a lucky bounce off a Stars defenceman, wrongfooting Fiske and sending the puck into the top of the net. Sam Tremblay and Joona Huttula provided the assists on what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The Stars had a brief power-play chance at 47:03, with Jonathan McBean called for slashing, but the Steelers couldn’t capitalise. Likewise, a too-many-men penalty against Sheffield at 52:41 gave Dundee an opportunity, but they failed to break through Greenfield’s defences.
Then, the floodgates opened.
At 56:04, Marco Vallerand ripped a blistering one-timer from the slot, too powerful for Fiske to handle, putting the Steelers up 3-1. Robert Dowd and Patrick Watling provided the setup.
Just 29 seconds later (56:33), Mikko Juusola struck again, netting his second of the night to make it 4-1.
The final blow came at 59:05, when Daniel Leavens bagged his second goal, firing home from the right wing after a setup from Josh Saucerman and goaltender Matthew Greenfield.
With the 5-1 win, the Steelers keep pace with the Belfast Giants, who also won, maintaining a three-point gap at the top with just three games remaining. Meanwhile, Nottingham Panthers lost, falling further behind in third place and officially out of the title race. Keeping the Panthers engaged was crucial for Sheffield, as they face Belfast twice in the final two games of the season.
Daniel Leavens earned Man of the Match honours, celebrating with a wheelbarrow race “Eddy” at centre ice.
Next up, the Steelers hit the road to face the Fife Flyers tomorrow night, before returning home next Saturday to take on the Cardiff Devils in another must-win matchup.
