First Period [1-3] – Steelers Falter Early in Boxing Day Battle Against Panthers
The Sheffield Steelers aimed to turn their fortunes around on Boxing Day, hoping to deliver a late Christmas present to a sold-out Utilita Arena in their post-holiday clash with rivals, the Nottingham Panthers. With the return of Colton Saucerman and captain Robert Dowd, head coach Aaron Fox rolled four full lines in a bid to start climbing the Elite League standings from sixth place.
However, any festive cheer was quickly muted as the Panthers jumped out to a two-goal lead after the first period, exploiting defensive lapses to leave the Steelers chasing the game.
The Steelers looked to set the tone early, with Kevin Tansey landing a big hit on Cooper Zech in the Steelers’ zone, but it was the Panthers who struck first at 2:03. Jordan Kelsall capitalised on a speculative backhand shot from a tight angle, slipping the puck short side past Matthew Greenfield. Otto Nieminen and Quinn Wichers provided the assists on the opening goal.
The Panthers doubled their advantage just minutes later at 4:39, with Ollie Betteridge finishing a two-on-one break. Logan Neilson’s cross-ice pass set up Betteridge, who roofed the puck over Greenfield’s catcher to extend the lead.
The Steelers managed to halve the deficit at 7:14, scoring against the run of play. Brien Diffley’s blue-line shot was blocked in front, but Maxim Golod pounced on the loose puck and fired into an open net as Panthers goaltender Ryan Bednard sprawled on the ice.
Sheffield built momentum after the goal, generating sustained pressure and quality chances. Mikko Juusola came close to levelling the score, tipping a point shot from Sacha Guimond that Bednard managed to steer wide.
Greenfield kept the Steelers in the game with a sharp glove save on Didrik Henbrant, who was set up by a perfect stretch pass from Neilson. Despite the brief surge, the Panthers restored their two-goal cushion at 17:10. Zsombor Garát found space near the faceoff dot and fired a pinpoint shot over Greenfield’s shoulder to make it 3-1.
The Steelers entered the second period with work to do, trailing in a game they couldn’t afford to lose in their bid to climb the standings. Fans hoped for a response in the remaining 40 minutes of play.
Second Period [2-4] – Steelers Trail Panthers Despite Improved Second Period Effort
The Steelers found themselves still chasing the game after an even second period in their Boxing Day clash against the Panthers, heading into the final 20 minutes with a two-goal deficit. Despite outshooting the visitors 20-17 through 40 minutes, the Steelers’ lack of clinical finishing left them struggling to close the gap.
The Panthers extended their lead to 4-1 early in the second period, with a goal officially credited to Mitchell Fossier at 24:49. However, replays confirmed that Sam Herr got the decisive tip on Cooper Zech’s point shot, redirecting the puck past Matthew Greenfield’s blocker and pad. The goal highlighted Nottingham’s efficiency in converting their chances, a stark contrast to Sheffield’s offensive struggles.
Determined to respond, the Steelers battled back and cut the deficit to 4-2 at 32:57. Colton Saucerman set up Patrick Watling, who delivered a crisp cross-ice pass to Marco Vallerand. From his signature spot at the right-wing faceoff dot, Vallerand unleashed a lethal shot across Ryan Bednard’s body and into the net, sparking hope among the home crowd.
Matthew Greenfield kept Sheffield in the game with a brilliant double save late in the period, denying the Panthers from stretching their lead further. Tempers flared as the period closed, with Mitchell Balmas and Zsombor Garát both sent to the box for tripping and roughing, respectively.
The Steelers faced an uphill battle in the final frame, needing a strong push to salvage points from a game that had, at times, showcased flashes of their potential. Fans awaited a spirited comeback attempt as the final period loomed.
Third Period [2-4] – Steelers Unable To Up Efficiency In Third Handing Panthers Two Vital Points
Only minor penalties to report on in the third as the Panthers skated away with two Boxing Day points to add to their tally leaving the Steelers wallowing in 6th place still as the visitors jumped up to third at the time of writing.
The Panthers did their best to let the Steelers back into the game, handing them two penalties for interference and cross-checking in which the Steelers lost the puck on several occasions, passing to players nowhere to be seen as they never really got set up including the extra skater on the ice when Matthew Greenfield was pulled with two minutes remaining.
The Steelers will once again be looking to their lack of shot efficiency, scuppering 50 of their 52 shots, 33 on those on target for a short efficiency of only 6.06% compared to the Panthers 17.39%. Matthew Greenfield also well below his usual best with a save percentage of only 82.61%.
That takes the Steelers to a four game losing streak, sitting on 24 points from their 21 games played, trailing league leaders the Cardiff Devils by 10 points.
A return fixture is up next for the Steelers on Saturday as we head to the Motorpoint Arean to take on the Panthers once against before we return to the Arena on Monday as the Manchester Storm are in town for a 7pm face-off.
