4 Point Weekend for the Steelers
Steelers Come Back From Three Down to Win Shootout Thriller in Guildford
The Sheffield Steelers produced another remarkable comeback on Sunday night, recovering from 3-0 down to beat Guildford Flames 5-4 after a penalty shootout.
For the second successive weekend, Aaron Fox’s side found themselves three goals behind on the road before fighting their way back into the contest and eventually winning in a shootout.
There was also a piece of club history for captain Robert Dowd, whose second-period goal moved him ahead of Ron Shudra at the top of the Steelers’ all-time points standings.
First Period – Flames 3, Steelers 1
The Steelers actually made the brighter start, creating several early opportunities but finding Guildford netminder Justin Fazio in good form.
It was the Flames who struck first, though, as Jake Willets finished a well-worked move to beat Matt Greenfield.
Guildford quickly doubled their advantage through Jonathan Racine, who celebrated in front of the Steelers bench with memories of last season’s playoff quarter-final series between the sides still fresh.
Racine then added his second of the night to put the home side 3-0 ahead.
That third goal finally sparked the Steelers into life.
With just over a minute remaining in the period, Olivier Archambault fired high into the Guildford net to reduce the deficit and give Sheffield a route back into the game.
Second Period – Flames 3, Steelers 3
After a delayed start to the second period, the momentum changed completely.
Captain Robert Dowd took matters into his own hands, carrying the puck up ice before beating Fazio to make it 3-2.
The goal was another special moment in Dowd’s remarkable Steelers career, taking him beyond Ron Shudra’s long-standing all-time club points record.
Sheffield were level soon afterwards.
A scramble developed in front of the Guildford net and the puck crossed the line, with the officials heading to video review.
After a short delay the goal was confirmed, giving Adam Rockwood his first competitive goal of the season and making it 3-3.
The Steelers continued to press and earned a late power play, although the advantage lasted only 13 seconds before Archambault was called for a minor penalty.
Third Period – Flames 4, Steelers 4
The third period became increasingly physical, with both sides spending time in the penalty box.
Sheffield successfully killed off their penalties, but Guildford regained the lead at even strength when Chase Gresockfound space in front and finished past Greenfield.
Once again, the Steelers had to find a response.
They came close on several occasions before Willets was sent to the penalty box late in the game.
Sheffield made the opportunity count.
With the extra man, Mitchell Balmas found the finish to make it 4-4 and send the game into overtime.
Overtime – 4-4
Both teams had chances during the extra period, with Greenfield and Fazio standing tall at either end.
The Steelers also survived a late scare when the post came to their rescue in the final minute.
Neither side could find the winner, meaning the game would be settled in a shootout.
Shootout – Steelers Win 5-4
There was no score through the opening two rounds before Cole Sanford converted to give Guildford the advantage.
Archambault responded with a superb finish into the top corner to level the shootout.
Further saves followed at both ends and the contest moved into sudden death.
Archambault stepped up again but was denied by Fazio before Greenfield made the save Sheffield needed to extend the shootout.
Then came Balmas.
For the second successive weekend, the “Ice Man” delivered from the spot, sliding the puck under Fazio to put Sheffield ahead.
Greenfield then denied Sanford to complete another dramatic road comeback.
From 3-0 down to another shootout victory.
Adam Rockwood was named Steelers Man of the Match as the travelling support celebrated another memorable night on the road.
Final Score: Guildford Flames 4-5 Sheffield Steelers (SO)