Cruel ending for the Steelers as the Panthers score late to force OT
Steelers will head back to Sheffield with just a point following a 4-3 shoot out defeat to the Panthers
A late hat trick goal from Ross Armour at 58.36 with the Panthers goalie pulled levelled the score (3-3)
Messrs Balmas and Heard both scored for the Steelers in the shoot out but Brendan Harris goal meant that Cliff Pu had to score, he didn’t and the Panthers took the extra point.
The Story of the 1st Period.
Stephen Harper had the first shot of the game with Carr making the save, Alfaro then returned with a shot of his own that Matt Greenfield turned away.
01.02 Heard to the box for Elbows – Panthers on the PP
Steelers kill but the Panthers create chances without scoring.
11.36 Steelers turn on the PP, Ulrick sits out 2 for interferance
Shorthanded Panthers break and Pearson pulls a move that beats Matt Greenfield but the final shot hits the post
The same man, Pearson pulls a nice move on the Steelers blue line and creates a Grade A scoring chance, Greenfield again making the save.
In the final minute Steelers create with Tremblay going close at first and then Carr makes a big save off a Jordon Southorn blast.
End of the first period: Nottingham Panthers 0-0 Steelers
The Story of the 2nd Period
A period of two halves as the Steelers took an early advantage
Ryan Tait set up Stephen Harper to fire home from close range at 21.21 as the Steelers took the lead
It wasn’t long before Mitchell Balmas had doubled the advantage, the returning Mikko Juusola making a lovely play that had Carr out of place for Balmas to fire home into a wide open net at 26.02 and a 0-2 advantage.
Steelers PP at 30.35 when Maarcinew was sent to the box for slashing
Panthers killed, but just before the end of the penalty Mikko Juusola was called for interference.
Steelers killed the Panthers PP (both o for 2 on their one man advantages tonight)
Panthers started turning the screw as eventually the Panthers goal came at 37.23 when Armour slotted home from a tight angle on his backhand for 1-2
Jordon Southorn had a couple of goes late in the period, with Carr making the saves,
With just 12 seconds raining Armour scored his second with Henbrant assisting to tie the game
After 2 periods … Panthers 2-2 Steelers
The Story of the 3rd Period, OT and the Shoot Out
A goal of beauty from Mitchell Balmas as he danced around the Panthers D and Goalie to give the Steelers a 3-2 advantage at 41.27
From then on it was end to end, Greenfield denied Doherty and then Carr topped Mitchell Heard
Dominic Cormier blocked shots to keep the Steelers advantage
With 2 minutes remaining the Panthers call a time out and pull goalie Carr to the bench
On the 6 on 5 play the Panthers score as Armour gets his Hat Trick and sends the game into OT
No further score in the 5 minute OT period so to a shoot out
Zeck opened the scoring in the shoot out, Mikko was denied by Kevin Carr
Mitchell Balmas levelled and Marcinew’s move was saved by Matt Greenfield (1-1)
Heard for the Steelers, Fossier for the Panthers (2-2)
Tansey was denied by Carr, Harris then scored for the Panthers meaning Cliff Pu must score for the Steelers, he didn’t and the Panthers took the extra point
Final score: Nottingham Panthers 4-3 Steelers
