Game Summary
In front of a raucous Utilita Arena crowd, the Sheffield Steelers delivered a performance full of grit, structure, and no shortage of drama as they edged the Nottingham Panthers 3–2 in overtime. Coming off a dominant 5–0 win over the Manchester Storm and a penalty-shot defeat in Nottingham last weekend, the Steelers entered tonight’s matchup with purpose. With the league’s top two sides separated by just two points, this latest instalment of the fierce rivalry didn’t disappoint; physicality, momentum swings, and elite goaltending were all on full display.
Aaron Fox’s men were the better team for long stretches of the night, particularly in the opening frame where their speed and forecheck forced the Panthers into repeated mistakes. Despite Nottingham outshooting the Steelers early, Sheffield made their chances count with clinical finishing from Mitchell Heard and Evan Jasper. However, the Panthers clawed one back late in the period, setting up the tense battle that followed.
The middle stanza was cagey, tight, and fiercely contested as both sides traded spells of control but ultimately found themselves stonewalled by the two netminders on show. As the shot totals swung in Sheffield’s favour, it became clear that the next goal would carry huge implications. Yet neither team blinked, sending the contest into a decisive third period.
The final twenty minutes were a showcase of playoff-style intensity. The Steelers were inches away from restoring their two-goal cushion before Chase Pearson struck late to force overtime, silencing the arena, albeit briefly. In the extra frame, a monstrous effort from Kevin Tansey created the decisive opportunity and Stephen Harper delivered the knockout blow, sending Steelers fans home happy and restoring the team’s momentum heading into a clash with the Coventry Blaze tomorrow night.
First Period – Steelers 2:1 Panthers
Sheffield burst out of the gates with intent, dictating pace and establishing early offensive zone time. On the very first shift, Dominic Cormier tested Jason Grande from the blue line, though without traffic the Panthers goaltender handled it comfortably. Moments later, Mikko Juusola nearly caught Grande napping behind his own net, stealing the puck and trying a quick wraparound that slid just wide on the backhand.
Those early warning signs materialised into a breakthrough at 4:11, when Juusola again forced a turnover at the Panthers’ blue line. This time he quickly fed Mitchell Heard, who wasted no time ripping a low blocker-side shot past Grande to make it 1–0. Nottingham responded with their first meaningful push of the period, forcing Greenfield into several sharp stops, including a quick-reaction save on a bouncing puck caught in Brien Diffley’s skates.
The Steelers weathered the pressure and punched back with a stunning goal. At 9:50, Ryan Tait found Evan Jasper, who glided to the left-wing circle and unleashed a gorgeous top-shelf finish, beating Grande cleanly for 2–0. The Panthers again pushed back, but Sheffield’s structure held strong, with physical play, highlighted by a thunderous hit from Kevin Tansey on former Steeler Finlay Ulrick, keeping Nottingham frustrated.
A late interference penalty against Jack Dougherty gave Nottingham their first powerplay opportunity, and although Sheffield successfully killed the two minutes, the Panthers struck just after the expiry. At 15:40, Chase Pearson tipped a Matt Spencer shot past Greenfield, with the officials confirming the deflection was not played by a high stick. Despite opportunities late on, the Steelers couldn’t restore the two-goal cushion and headed into the break 2–1 ahead.
Second Period – Steelers 2:1 Panthers
The middle frame saw both teams tighten up defensively, with clear chances becoming scarce. On the opening shift, Juusola again drove play for the Steelers, setting up Kevin Tansey whose effort was turned aside by Grande. Nottingham countered through their blue-liners, with Josh Tetlow firing a driven shot that Greenfield swallowed confidently.
At 22:57, the Steelers were put under pressure when Derek Gentile was called for hooking. However, a committed penalty kill anchored by Cliff Pu not only neutralised the threat but Pu even pinned Nottingham deep enough for Gentile to burst out of the box and jump into the play, narrowly firing wide on the rush.
As the period wore on, Sheffield regained their composure and rhythm. Dominic Cormier and Stephen Harper orchestrated several strong shifts, while Cliff Pu caused havoc in front of goal, tipping an effort onto the outside of the post. Both teams traded transition opportunities but neither could find the finishing touch, with Greenfield and Grande continuing to impress between the pipes.
A late powerplay opportunity for Sheffield arrived when Ross Armour was assessed a high-sticking minor at 39:30, but with time expiring the Steelers couldn’t get fully set on the attacking end. Still, they exited the period with the shot count now tipping their way, up 23–21, and with a narrow but deserved 2–1 advantage.
Third Period – Steelers 2:2 Panthers
The Steelers began the third killing the remainder of Armour’s penalty, though the clean ice advantage eluded them as the Panthers pressured aggressively. Greenfield kept Sheffield in front with back-to-back crucial saves on Tim Doherty and Didrik Henbrant, showcasing his lightning-quick pads.
Sheffield nearly restored their two-goal cushion when Joona Huutula’s shot from the blue line slipped through traffic and momentarily disappeared beneath Grande before being covered. Tensions rose further when Mitchell Fossier was whistled at 51:22 for a tripping infraction on Robert Dowd. The Steelers’ special teams unit delivered again, controlling possession even on the delayed call but couldn’t find that elusive third.
But Nottingham found their breakthrough late in regulation. At 55:29, Chase Pearson struck for his second of the night, sending the puck into a congested crease where it deflected off Brien Diffley’s skate and ballooned over Greenfield. The arena held its breath as the puck dropped behind the Sheffield netminder, levelling the game at 2–2.
Despite a determined late push from the Steelers, neither side could find the winner in regulation. With both teams guaranteed a point, the crowd braced for a high-stakes overtime period.
Overtime – Steelers Win 3–2
The extra frame opened at a frenetic pace, with both sides trading rush opportunities. The Steelers leaned heavily on their top performers, and none stood taller than Kevin Tansey, who delivered a heroic shift that ultimately decided the game.
At 61:42, the moment arrived. A puck chipped out of the defensive zone turned into a footrace at the Panthers’ blue line. Tansey refused to quit on the play, winning back possession under pressure and driving a shot on goal. Grande managed only to parry the rebound, and Stephen Harper, reading the play perfectly, spun and fired home the winner. The arena erupted as Harper wheeled away in celebration, securing a massive win for the league-chasing Steelers.
Man of the Match
Nottingham Panthers: Chase Pearson
Sheffield Steelers: Stephen Harper
Next Up
There’s no rest for Aaron Fox’s side as they hit the road tomorrow to face the Coventry Blaze in what promises to be another tough test. The Blaze then visit the Utilita Arena next Saturday for the ever-special Teddy Toss Night, where you, the incredible Sheffield fanbase ensures no child wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning. A trip to Dundee to face the Stars follows on Sunday, rounding out a demanding but pivotal stretch for the Steelers.
