Steelers back to Winning Ways in Road Victory Against the Blaze
A terrific road win for the Steelers in Coventry in an all around excellent performance in this crunch, must win Challenge Cup game.
Cliff Pu stole the headlines for his first period hat-trick, but this was a great team effort from minute one against an inform Blaze side that had taken cup points off the Steelers at the arena just two weekends ago.
Matt Greenfield had the start and Steelers lined up with Nick Seitz once again missing out.
Early penalty trouble for the Steelers with Joona Huttula taking 2 for tripping inside the first minute, just as the penalty was about to expire Chukarov was called for interference – neither team troubled the scorers on their respected power-plays.
Cormier next to the box for illegal equipment but on the resulting Blaze PP it was the Steelers who would open the scoring, outstanding work by Ryan Tait on the boards set up a breakaway for Cliff Pu who puled a lovely forehand, backhand forehand move on Robson to hand the Steelers the lead at 09.17
11.29 and Pu had his second, with Juusola bursting down the left wing his inch perfect pass fell on to the tape of Pu who slotted home, far post … a second goal for Pu and for the Steelers (0-2)
12.35 and this time it was Stephen Harper who assisted on Cliff Pu’s hat-trick goal (the fast Steelers hat-trick in the EIHL era)
Penalty trouble either side of the period break gave the Blaze a chance to re-establish themselves in this game
19.14 and Ryan Tait sent to the box for interference was followed after the period re start with a penalty to Mitch Balmas at 21.21 -0 both were superbly killed by the Steelers.
Blaze would pay for missed chances on the PP when shortly afterwards Grant Mishmash was called for cross checking and Evan Jasper converted nicely on just the Steelers second power-play of the night
With just 13 seconds remaining in the middle period the Blaze did find a way past the outstanding Matt Greenfield, Mishmash making amends for a 1-4 scoreline after 40 minutes.
On the final whistle, Mitch Greenfield was called for a tripping minor giving the Blaze another opportunity to close the gap in the final period.
They didn’t take it as the Steelers looked to see out the game
It all got a little heated at 49.22 when David Clements was called for slashing, after a spell of running around, this time Stephen Harper took exception and his retaliation cost him a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct.
After the initial 2 minutes 4 on 4 was cancelled the Blaze had another 3 minute power-play, once again the Steelers were outstanding, blocking shots and with Greenfield in the zone nothing was getting past
Steelers had their own late power play when Mck Stewart was called for interference at 57.54
Mitch Balmas said “Thank you very much” with 13 seconds remains as he fired past Robson for the 5th goal of the night.
Steelers Man of the Match
Well this award went to Cliff Pu for the 3 goals and an outstanding 60 minute effort.
How the Group Looks with 2 Games to go …
Steelers move back into second place in their Challenge Cup group with a home game against Cardiff (next Sunday) and a road game in Manchester to follow.
The top two teams automatically qualify for the semi finals, with the team in 3rd place taking on the second place side in the Northern group.
Next Up for the Steelers …
Steelers head north of the border on Wednesday for a league game against Glasgow Clan.
Then next Saturday it is back to the Sky-Dome arena for a league game against the Blaze before heading home to Sheffield for that crunch home game against Cardiff Devils. (face off 7pm with tickets HERE)
