Steelers Edged 3-2 as Panthers Strike Late in Nottingham
The Sheffield Steelers suffered a frustrating 3-2 Challenge Cup defeat in Nottingham on Saturday night as Ben Corbeil’s late power-play goal settled another fiercely contested meeting between the two rivals.
Sheffield twice led at the Motorpoint Arena, first through the returning Sean Collins and then through Logan Roe, but the Panthers responded on both occasions before Corbeil struck with just over two minutes remaining.
Despite pulling Matt Greenfield for an extra attacker and applying late pressure, the Steelers couldn’t find the equaliser as Nottingham claimed the points in front of 6,863 supporters.
First Period – Nothing Between the Rivals
There was intensity from the opening puck drop as the Steelers made their first visit of the season to Nottingham.
Greenfield was called into action early, producing a succession of saves as the Panthers applied pressure.
Sheffield soon began creating opportunities of their own.
Mikko Juusola looked to have a route towards goal before a recovering Nottingham defenceman prevented him from getting his shot away, while Adam Rockwood found himself in a good position but was unable to make clean contact.
Brandon Whistle then showed quick thinking after Leevi Teissala was hit along the boards, retrieving the loose puck and breaking towards Mat Robson, only for the Panthers goaltender to make the save.
Late in the period, Mitchell Balmas and Tim Gettinger threatened on a two-on-one, but once again a Nottingham stick disrupted the play.
The Panthers immediately countered, with Gettinger producing an excellent defensive effort to break up the pass.
Both sides finished the opening period with seven shots on goal, but neither could find the breakthrough.
Panthers 0-0 Steelers
Second Period – Collins Marks Return With a Goal
Nottingham started the middle period strongly and Greenfield made several important saves as the Panthers looked to take control.
Liam Steele also produced some excellent defensive work, putting his body on the line and creating turnovers as Sheffield absorbed the pressure.
Then, at 28:11, the Steelers struck.
Logan Roe’s shot from distance created the opportunity and Sean Collins, back in the line-up, applied the finish to give Sheffield a 1-0 lead. Ivan Björkly-Nordström also picked up an assist on the goal.
The Steelers had further chances, including an opportunity for Brien Diffley, but Nottingham found their equaliser late in the period.
Chase Pearson helped create the opening and Tim Doherty finished at 38:39, with Darick Louis-Jean also collecting an assist.
After 40 minutes the rivals were level once again.
Panthers 1-1 Steelers
Third Period – Roe Restores the Lead
Nottingham were handed an early opportunity after a turnover behind the Sheffield goal, but Greenfield denied Gordie Ballhorn.
At the other end, Sheffield began to generate increasing pressure.
Ryan Tait forced a big save from Robson, but the Steelers stayed with the play and Logan Roe unleashed a superb finish at 46:16 to restore Sheffield’s advantage.
Evan Jasper collected the assist as Roe made it 2-1.
The Steelers were then forced onto the penalty kill when Gettinger was called for delay of game at 48:01.
A strong defensive effort, led by Whistle and Collins, saw Sheffield successfully kill the penalty.
But Nottingham kept pushing.
Greenfield initially produced another excellent stop, only for the loose puck to fall kindly for Zsombor Garat, who converted at 54:48 to bring the Panthers level at 2-2.
Then came the decisive moment.
Roe was called for high sticking at 56:40, handing Nottingham a late power play.
Sheffield initially defended well, but at 57:58 Ben Corbeil converted from Zach O’Brien to put the Panthers ahead for the first time in the game.
Late Push Comes Up Short
With 1:37 remaining, Aaron Fox called his timeout and Greenfield headed to the bench for the extra attacker.
The Steelers pushed for the equaliser from the resulting offensive-zone face-off, but the Panthers defended desperately in the closing moments, with Darick Louis-Jean producing an important late intervention.
The final buzzer sounded with Nottingham holding onto their 3-2 advantage.
The Panthers finished with a 28-21 advantage in shots on goal, with Greenfield stopping 25 of the 28 he faced.
Logan Roe, with a goal and an assist, was named the Steelers Man of the Match.
There is little time for Sheffield to dwell on the defeat, with another hugely important Challenge Cup fixture to come on Sunday afternoon against Guildford Flames at the Utilita Arena.
Final Score
Nottingham Panthers 3-2 Sheffield Steelers
Panthers: Doherty 38:39, Garat 54:48, Corbeil 57:58 PP
Steelers: Collins 28:11, Roe 46:16