Steelers & Devils Tied on top of the Elite league
The Sheffield Steelers picked up a valuable Elite League point on the road after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Coventry Blaze, before the home side claimed the extra point in a penalty shootout at the Skydome Arena.
Aaron Fox’s side made a superb start and raced into a 2-0 advantage through Mikko Juusola and Evan Jasper, only for Coventry to score three unanswered goals and turn the game around.
Brandon Whistle brought the Steelers level during the second period and, after a scoreless third period and overtime, the game went all the way to penalty shots.
Mitchell Balmas converted for Sheffield in the shootout, but the Blaze eventually claimed the extra league point.
First Period – Steelers Race Into Two-Goal Lead
The Steelers couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
Just 5:25 had been played when Mikko Juusola opened the scoring, finishing from Mitchell Balmas and Brien Diffley to put Sheffield ahead.
Sheffield doubled their advantage at 11:38.
This time it was Evan Jasper who found the net, with Ryan Tait and Aatu Aarnio collecting the assists as the Steelers moved into a 2-0 lead.
Coventry, though, responded quickly.
Jaxson Ezman reduced the deficit at 14:20, assisted by Ryan Richardson and Colby MacArthur.
The Blaze then found themselves on the power play following a slashing call against Tim Gettinger and made the opportunity count.
Andrew Nielsen scored at 16:24, assisted by William Boysen and Matthew Gleason, to level the game at 2-2 before the first intermission.
Coventry Blaze 2-2 Steelers
Second Period – Blaze Lead Before Whistle Responds
The game remained finely balanced during the middle period.
Sheffield successfully killed an Adam Rockwood tripping penalty, but Coventry then struck while shorthanded.
At 31:46, Griffin Ness put the Blaze ahead for the first time, with Tanner Kaspick and Nielsen collecting the assists.
The Steelers needed a response — and it came quickly.
Just over two minutes later, Brandon Whistle levelled the contest at 34:04, converting from Robbie Stucker to make it 3-3.
Sheffield then had to successfully negotiate another penalty after Ryan Tait was called for kneeing, but the scores remained level heading into the final period.
Coventry Blaze 3-3 Steelers
Third Period – Nothing Separates the Sides
The Steelers pushed hard during the third period, outshooting Coventry 13-10, but neither side could find the goal that would decide the contest.
Coventry handed Sheffield two power-play opportunities during the period, while the Blaze also had a man advantage of their own following an interference call against Leevi Teissala.
Both goaltenders stood firm.
Matt Greenfield continued to shut the door at one end, while Sisu Heikkeri frustrated the Steelers at the other.
After 60 minutes the teams remained locked at 3-3, guaranteeing Sheffield at least one league point.
Overtime – Steelers Push for the Winner
The five-minute overtime period also failed to produce a breakthrough.
Sheffield registered the only two shots on goal during the extra period, but Heikkeri kept both out and the game headed to penalty shots.
Blaze Take the Extra Point
Mitchell Balmas converted for the Steelers in the shootout, while Olivier Archambault, Adam Rockwood, Mikko Juusola and Ryan Tait were unable to find a way past the Coventry netminder.
For the Blaze, Griffin Ness and William Boysen converted to give Coventry the extra point.
It meant disappointment for the Steelers at the end of the night, but after an entertaining contest at the Skydome they returned to Sheffield with an important league point.
The Steelers finished the game with a 36-32 advantage in shots, with Greenfield and Heikkeri both conceding three goals across regulation and overtime.
After 65 Minutes
Coventry Blaze 3-3 Sheffield Steelers
Steelers scorers:
Mikko Juusola – 5:25
Evan Jasper – 11:38
Brandon Whistle – 34:04
Blaze win on penalty shots
Shots: Coventry 32-36 Steelers
Attendance: 2,064