Steelers in control in the 3rd and win 5-1 to sweep the Stars
After a 1-0 first period (Balmas), the Steelers extended their advantage to 4-1 after 40 minutes in an action packed middle session with hits, fights and goals.
Just the single strike from Josh Nicholls in the third period to round off a 5-1 victory.
Steelers travelled to Dundee without Marco Vallerand, who was added to the injury list with Zach Vinnell coming into the line up.
Still no Dowd and Allen for the Steelers.
It was Brine Vs Greenfield between the pipes for this one.
Steelers off to a great start with Josh Nicholls breaking away (off a Juusola feed) to force the first big save from Lucas Brine
Patrick Watling then had a shot saved by Brine before moments later setting up Vinnell as he drove the net – it remained scoreless
From the face off the Steelers got the puck in front of the Dundee goal and it fell nicely to Mitchell Balmas who slotted home at 4.39
Steelers were in fill flow with Brine called upon more and more , Cole Shudra was next after a nice pass from Brandon Whistle, Shudra’s shot was kicked away.
Dundee battled back and after being dominated in the first 10 minutes created chances of their own in the second half of the period.
Matt Greenfield was called into action several times in the periods latter stages.
Dominic Cormier went end to end and forced a save from Brine in the 14th minute
More Dundee pressure with Matt Greenfield keeping the door closed
Juusola and Watling had a late breakaway but Mikko couldn’t get the pass away
End to end start in the second period, Stars pressed forward and Matt Greenfield called into actions, then Mikko Juusola had a super chance to double the lead but failed to convert
Seconds prior to that Patrick Watling to a big hit and had to receive treatment on the ice before returning to the dressing room
Two shifts later and Kevin Tansey challenged Xavier Pouliot (who made the hit on Watling) and the two paired off for a big fight – both received 5 minute fighting majors.
In Watling’s first shift back he makes a great backhand pass to Juusola who fires home for a 2-0 lead at 25.39
Brett Neumann to Dominic Cormier but his shot is deflected. Cole Shudra then set up Zach Vinnell but Brine got to the loose puck first
30.15 and the Stars pull a goal back with Craig Garrigan scoring from close range in a scramble (1-2)
Two Grad A’s, first Naas for the Stars and then Watling for the Steelers, both denied, it remained 1-2
Penalty shot Steelers at 33.25 and Mitchell Balmas converted nicely for 3-1
With 1.24 remaining in the period Whistle and Vinnell assisted on Cole Shudra’s strike, second game running he has scored in Dundee
Early final period scare for the Steelers as Mikko Juusola left the game after a stick to the face, no penalty called but there was a delay as the ice was cleaned.
Mikko would return to the line up before the end of the period.
Moore down the left wing but his shot wasn’t going to beat the impressive Matt Greenfield.
With Juusola back on the ice he and Josh Nicholls broke, Juusola was tripped but still managed to feed Nicholls who fired home for the goal of the night. Steelers led 5-1 at 45.49
As the minutes ticked away Greenfield had one more special stop to make as he changed position and kicked away an attempt on goal
Last chances fell to Sam Jones with his shot saved by Brine and then Brett Neumann with a tip off a Diffley shot
Final score: Dundee Stars 1-5 Steelers
Retro Weekend – 2 Home Games vs Belfast Giants
