It’s a tight game in Nottingham
A brace for Steelers man of the match Mitchell Balmas and a stunning performance by Matt Greenfield was the backbone of a game winning performance in Nottingham.
Steelers led 1-0 after the first and 2-1 after the middle period but Nottingham levelled 5 minutes into the final session when Hugo Roy scored his 2nd of the night to tie the game.
Balmas with his second straight though off the pass of the night from Robert Dowd took the points for the Steelers.
First Period.
1.56 and Steelers art the period on the front foot with Despres taking his first of three first period penalties.
Steelers moved the puck well but failed to convert of their power-play chances.
Niklas Nevalainen with a blast, Watling hits the post and both Dowd and Vallerand went close as Steelers went looking for a second.
05.58 and Despres back in the box for hooking Patrick Watling
Watling then created a great move with Mark Simpson going close.
Nottingham had a short handed chance with Matt Greenfield coming to the Steelers rescue.
08.13 and Steelers lead when Zach Vinnell makes it 1-0 with his first Steelers goal from close range (Scott Allen assisting)
10.06 and Panthers power-play when Patrick Watling called for slashing
Greenfield with several saves as the Panthers pushed on the PP
Tic, Tac, Toe move for the Panthers with Greenfield called on for a great save.
16.33 Ciampini tripped by Despres and heads back to the penalty box
Steelers again created on the PP but failed to get the puck past Rok
Period 2
A great start to the second period for the Steelers as Mitchell Balmas doubles the Steelers lead at 22.05
23.57 Scott Allen to the box for Interference and the Panthers on the PP
27.05 and Depres back to the penalty box, his 4th of the night – Steelers 0 for 4 on the PP as Panthers counter and score short handed
28.09 Panthers 1-2 Steelers Hugo Roy
35.15 Dominic Cormier fires the puck over the glass and takes 2 for delay of the the game
Tansey blocks a shot and hobbles to the bench, he would return.
38.19 Juusola to the box for tripping, Greenfield making saves.
End of the second period Panthers 1-2 Steelers
Third Period
Early chance for Mitch Balmas with Rok making the save.
Dowdy with a huge chance with Rok down and out of the net but fans on the shot
Panthers hit right back at 44.29 with Roy scoring his second to level it 2-2
Saucerman with a blast that Rok kicks away
Dowdy back checks and breaks up a Panthers attack and then makes the pass of the night to Balmas who breaks in on Rok and goes five hole for the game winner at 46.28
Ciampini breakaway and takes a quick shot that fires off Rok’s shoulder to safety
Panthers pull Rok in the final minute but Steelers hold firm, take the victory and the points.
Final Score: Nottingham Panthers 2-3 Steelers
Next Home Game is on SUNDAY
Sunday 28th January
Steelers Vs Dundee Stars
Utilita Arena
Face Off 4.00pm
Doors Open 2.30pm