A Brace for Gettinger in Saturday’s Win
Gettinger at the Double as Steelers Find Their Response
Tim Gettinger says the Sheffield Steelers got back to “being themselves” as his two goals helped fire Aaron Fox’s side to an emphatic 5-0 victory over Glasgow Clan.
The former NHL forward was named Man of the Match after scoring twice in a dominant second period, with the Steelers producing the response they had been looking for following two overtime defeats against Fife the previous weekend.
Gettinger said there had been a clear message within the group throughout the week.
“We needed to be better,” he said.
“Last weekend obviously wasn’t good enough for us as a group, so we had a good week of practice.
“We knew we needed to come in and, right from the puck drop, be on them.
“I thought, especially in that first period, we were back to ourselves. We were moving our feet, competing all around the ice, and then obviously it showed on the scoreboard.”
Despite a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Gettinger said there was no frustration inside the Steelers dressing room.
Instead, the players felt their performance level was where it needed to be and trusted that the goals would come.
“We got back in the room after the first and we were happy with where our game was at,” he said.
“We were doing really good stuff in the offensive zone, but especially in the defensive zone.
“We were quick on pucks, getting out of the zone quickly, and after the first we talked about just continuing to play the same way.
“We knew we would get rewarded, and obviously we did.”
That reward came in spectacular fashion as Sheffield scored four times in the second period.
Gettinger opened the scoring after Olivier Archambault found him at the back door before adding his second from a Mitchell Balmas pass later in the period.
He was quick to pass the credit to his teammates.
“Both goals were great plays,” he said.
“One from Archie and one from Bonds.
“For me, I just go back door and they’ll find me.
“Especially the first one, I was glad to get one on the board for the team and then that kind of got us rolling a little bit.”
The Steelers now turn their attention immediately to Sunday’s trip to Manchester Storm, with Gettinger keen to make Saturday’s victory the start of a successful weekend.
“It’s going to be great,” he said.
“When we were there in preseason there was a big crowd and it’s a cool atmosphere.
“We’re looking forward to it.
“For us, it’s enjoy this one for a little bit and then tomorrow we’re back to work.
“We want to go there and get another big two points.”