Balmas Game Winner for the Steelers
The Sheffield Steelers produced a composed come-from-behind performance to defeat the Cardiff Devils 3-1 at the Utilita Arena.
Ryan Barrow gave the visitors the lead in the opening period, but Brandon Whistle levelled on the power play before Mitchell Balmas struck shorthanded in the second to put Sheffield ahead.
A disciplined third-period display then saw the Steelers protect their advantage before Macoy Erkamps sealed the victory with an empty-net goal — his first in Steelers colours.
First Period: Steelers 1-1 Devils
Both teams started brightly, with Matt Greenfield called into action early before the Steelers created the first clear opening of the night.
Ryan Tait came close to breaking the deadlock when his effort struck the post, before Sheffield began to build sustained pressure in the Cardiff zone.
Despite that spell of Steelers possession, it was the Devils who opened the scoring.
A turnover at the blue line released Ryan Barrow clean through on Greenfield and the Cardiff forward finished high over the shoulder to make it 1-0.
Sheffield responded well.
Ben Bowns was forced into saves from Macoy Erkamps and Aatu Aarnio as the Steelers continued to create chances and push for an equaliser.
That opportunity arrived late in the period.
Jimmy Oligny was called for a hit behind the Cardiff net following a coming together with Evan Jasper, sending Sheffield onto the power play.
The Steelers made the extra man count.
Dominic Cormier fired the puck towards goal and Brandon Whistle produced the important touch in front to divert it past Bowns.
It was Whistle’s second goal in as many games and extended his point streak to four.
The teams headed into the first intermission tied at 1-1.
Second Period: Steelers 2-1 Devils
Sheffield carried their intensity into the second period, with Bowns again required to make saves as the home side searched for their first lead of the night.
Cardiff also threatened and Greenfield produced an important stop to keep the game level.
Liam Steele then showed excellent composure defensively to regain possession at the blue line as both sides battled for control.
The Steelers were handed their first penalty of the night when Tim Gettinger was called for delay of game after sending the puck directly out of play.
But instead of Cardiff taking advantage, it was Sheffield who struck.
The Steelers’ penalty-killing unit forced the issue, with Mikko Juusola breaking forward and combining with Brien Diffley.
The first chance was blocked, but Juusola recovered the puck behind the net and picked out Mitchell Balmas, who finished into the open goal.
The shorthanded strike gave Sheffield a 2-1 lead and was Balmas’ eighth goal of the new season.
It proved to be the only goal of the middle period.
Third Period: Steelers See It Out
The final period was about control, discipline and protecting the lead.
Cardiff pushed hard for an equaliser and created one of their best opportunities when Riley Brandt broke clear on Greenfield.
The Steelers netminder stood tall and made the save.
As the period wore on, Sheffield defended with purpose, getting bodies in front of shots and forcing the Devils to attack from the outside.
Cardiff called a timeout late in the game before pulling Bowns for the extra attacker.
But the Steelers held firm.
Greenfield moved the puck quickly to Macoy Erkamps, who fired into the empty net to make it 3-1 and secure the two points.
It was Erkamps’ first goal as a Steeler.
Archambault Takes Man of the Match
Olivier Archambault was named the Steelers’ Man of the Match after another influential performance.
Archambault also continued his remarkable start to the season, having now registered either a goal or an assist in every game so far.
Ryan Barrow collected Cardiff’s Man of the Match award after scoring the Devils’ only goal.
For the Steelers, it was another important victory — one built on patience, strong special teams and a disciplined third-period performance.