Game Summary
The Sheffield Steelers extended their winning streak to four games with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Manchester Storm on the road. A disciplined performance, backed by stellar goaltending from Matthew Greenfield and a two-goal night from captain Robert Dowd, secured another crucial two points in the league standings.
The opening period was a tight, defensive battle, with both teams struggling to create sustained offensive pressure. Despite being outshot 17-7, the Steelers remained composed, successfully killing off a penalty to Matthew Greenfield while also failing to convert on a powerplay of their own. The first twenty minutes ended scoreless, with neither side able to break through.
Sheffield wasted no time getting on the board in the second period, striking just 28 seconds in. Bradon Whistle set up Brien Diffley for a shot from the blue line, and while David Tendeck made the initial stop, the rebound fell to Dowd, who buried it into an open net for the 1-0 lead. The Storm continued to push offensively, but Greenfield stood tall, turning aside all 31 shots he faced through two periods to keep the Steelers in front heading into the third.
Manchester found their equaliser at 48:08 when Craig Martin rifled a shot past Greenfield after a breakdown at the Steelers’ blue line. However, Sheffield responded almost immediately, with Dowd netting his second of the night at 49:34, finishing off a no-look pass from Colton Saucerman to restore the lead. With the Storm pressing for another equaliser and Tendeck pulled for the extra attacker, Marco Vallerand sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the dying seconds.
Dowd’s two-goal effort earned him Man of the Match honours, while Greenfield posted an impressive 38-save performance with a 97.44% save percentage. The Steelers now shift focus to their next challenge, facing the Coventry Blaze before a crucial Challenge Cup semi-final second leg against the Cardiff Devils.
First Period [0-0] – Steelers and Storm Battle to a Goalless Stalemate in the First
The Sheffield Steelers hit the road this evening looking to extend their winning streak to four games, taking on the Manchester Storm after recent victories over Glasgow Clan and Cardiff Devils in both league and Challenge Cup action.
With Maxim Golod returning home to Canada for personal reasons, head coach Aaron Fox stuck with his Wednesday night lineup, as Ben Norton backed up starting netminder Matthew Greenfield. Across the ice, David Tendeck made his first start against the Steelers.
The opening twenty minutes were a tight, defensive affair, with neither team able to generate sustained offensive pressure. Despite limited Grade-A scoring opportunities, the Storm were credited with a significant shot advantage, outshooting the Steelers 17-7.
Both sides had a chance on the powerplay, but neither could capitalise. Craig Martin was called for high-sticking in the defensive zone, while Greenfield was penalised for tripping at the side of his net. Strong penalty killing ensured the game remained deadlocked, as the teams headed into the first intermission still searching for the breakthrough goal.
Mark Simpson and Kevin Tansey would continue to keep an eye on proceedings as both had physical encounters with Ryan Huges and Alexis D’Aoust during the opening period.
Second Period [0-1] – Dowd’s Early Strike Stands as Steelers Hold One-Goal Lead After Two
The Steelers edged ahead in the second period, with Robert Dowd’s early goal proving to be the difference as they took a 1-0 lead into the final frame against the Manchester Storm.
Just 28 seconds into the period, Bradon Whistle set up Brien Diffley for a shot from the blue line, forcing David Tendeck into a sharp kick save. The rebound, however, fell perfectly to Dowd, who made no mistake in firing into the open net to break the deadlock.
Despite the Steelers’ early breakthrough, the Storm continued to push the pace, outshooting Sheffield 31-22 by the end of the second. Matthew Greenfield remained rock-solid, turning away a series of high-quality chances to preserve the lead.
Sheffield had an opportunity to double their advantage on the powerplay after CJ Garcia was penalised for a trip on Finlay Ulrick, but Manchester’s penalty kill held firm, limiting the Steelers’ looks on goal.
Mikko Juusola earned praise for a crucial defensive effort, hustling back to break up a dangerous three-on-one opportunity with a perfectly timed stick lift. Meanwhile, the Steelers caught a break late in the frame when Gianluca Estevez snapped his second stick of the period, relieving the pressure as the Storm pressed for an equaliser.
With one period left to play, the Steelers carried their narrow lead into the final 20 minutes, looking to lock down another crucial road victory.
Third Period [1-3] – Dowd’s Double Seals Steelers’ Victory in Tight Third Period
The Steelers held their nerve in the final 20 minutes, fending off a determined Storm comeback to claim a 3-1 road victory and extend their winning streak.
A golden opportunity to extend their lead came early in the third when Ryan Hughes sent the puck out of play from his own zone, gifting the Steelers a powerplay. However, their struggles on special teams continued, and Manchester successfully killed off the penalty.
The Storm capitalised on their own man advantage at 48:08 after Brandon Whistle was sent to the box for hooking. A collision at the Steelers’ blue line opened up space for Alexis D’Aoust to find Craig Martin, who rifled his shot past Matthew Greenfield’s blocker to tie the game.
Sheffield wasted no time responding. Just over a minute later, at 49:34, Robert Dowd restored the lead, finishing off a brilliant no-look pass from Colton Saucerman. The Storm defence and netminder were caught off guard, leaving Dowd with an open net to fire home his second of the night.
The remainder of the period saw the Steelers tighten up defensively as Manchester pushed for another equaliser, but Greenfield stood tall. The Steelers’ goaltender finished the night with 38 saves on 39 shots, posting a stellar 97.44% save percentage.
With time winding down, the Storm pulled Tendeck for the extra attacker, but it backfired as Marco Vallerand picked up a loose puck in his own zone and backhanded it the length of the ice into the empty net at 59:49, sealing the win.
Robert Dowd’s two-goal performance earned him Man of the Match honours for the Steelers, while Tendeck took the accolade for Manchester. Sheffield now turns their attention to Coventry, where they face the Blaze in the second game of their road weekend, before a crucial Challenge Cup semi-final second leg against Cardiff on Wednesday night. Next week then sees another road game against the Guildford Flames before a huge clash on Sunday as the Belfast Giants are in town.
📸 Manchester Storm