Late Goals but the Steelers win again in Nottingham
Mikko Juusola, Marco Vallerand, Brandon Whistle and Kevin Tansey all scored for the Steelers as they remained unbeaten in the Challenge Cup with a 4-3 road win in Nottingham. It was a close one with the Panthers scoring in the last minute and pulling the goalie as they tried to take a point.
Steelers take all the points and become the first team to beat the Panthers in the cup this season.
Steelers in action at the Arena on Sunday at 4.00pm Vs. Belfast Giants
Tickets available “HERE”
Steelers at full strength with an unchanged line up for Challenge Cup action in Nottingham
Matt Greenfield had the start with Ryan Bernard making his Panthers – Steelers debut
The Perfect Start …
Just 1.16 on the clock when the Steelers struck first, Brien Diffley with the assist, a pass from the corner into the danger area in front of Bernard where Mikko Juusola got his stick on the puck to convert.
Panthers then took over and created chances of their own
Saucerman went for hooking at 2.03 and the Steelers killed the Panthers one man advantage well
Tim Doherty levelled for the Panthers, stood right in front of Matt Greenfield, he deflected passed him in the 7th minute for 1-1
41 Seconds later and the Steelers were back in front.
An incredible play by captain Robert Dowd as he stripped the puck off the Panthers and went in on a two on one attack with his old mucker Marco Vallerand, the pass was perfect, the finish its equal as Marco put the Steelers back ahead (1-2).
15.57 and the Steelers back on the power-play with Doherty off for slashing, Steelers failed to create any Grade A scoring chances and we were soon back on five on five
Late penalties confused many, with 45 seconds remaining on the period Wichers took 2 for cross checking and then moments later Marco Vallerand followed him for roughing, coincidental minors called.
Period ended Panthers 1-2 Steelers
A Tight Middle Period …
The Panthers came out strong at the start of the middle period and struck early when Henbrant levelled after just 83 seconds of the re-start
Henbrant should have had the Panthers ahead in the next shift but he failed to convert from close range, the Steelers were on the back foot.
As the period went on the Steelers came back and the ice tilted in their favour.
Cormier went close with a long range shot, this was followed by a great chance for Cody out in front and Ciampini from close range.
A double deflection off first Whistle and then Shudra almost had the Steelers ahead since again but the impressive Bernard made another save.
Tick, Tack, Toe as Simpson and Leavens set up Ciampini but again, Bernard denied. It was coming …
35.56 and Brandon Whistle broke down the centre of the ice only to be tripped by Jaakko Niskala – penalty shot called
Whistle calmly picked the puck up and on his forehand shot past Bernard for the 3-2 advantage
Kevin Tansey with a Hamer of a shot moments later, Bernard stretched out with the pad save
Leavens with a chance of a 4th but impressive play from Spencer denies with the goal wide open
Period Ends ….
Early power-play for the Steelers as Spencer heads to the box for delay of game at 40.57
Saucerman with the best chance on the one man advantage, his shot blocked – ouch
Nottingham had a short handed opportunity but Vallerand was brilliant in the back check and broke the play up.
Mikko Juusola had the fans off their seats but his shot hit the wide netting, it remained 2-3
Tetlow for tripping and power-play number three for the Steelers half way through this final period.
Vallerand forced a big save off Bernard with a one timer but the Panthers killed once again for a 100% record on the PK
With 5 remaining Panthers went so close from Alfaro
Juusola found Watling out in front but he took the pass on his backhand and his shot hit Bernard in the chest, Balmas found Cormier moments later but the angle was too tight.
At the other end Bunz almost tied the game forcing a huge save from Greenfield
Panthers time out and goalie Bernard remained on the Bech for the extra attacker
Seconds later Brandon Whistle won the face off and Kevin Tansey, just like the last time he was in Nottingham for the play off final, found the empty net for the 4-2 advantage
It was game over, or so it seemed, however, out of nowhere the Panthers struck, Herr was given the deflected goal to set up a tight final minute
Panthers again with the goalie pulled through everything they had at Matt Greenfield’s goal but the Steelers stood tall and ended with the 4-3 road win and the 2 Challenge Cup points.
See You Tomorrow Sheffield
Game 1 of the Elite “League” Season as we take on Belfast Giants at the arena
Face Off 4.00pm with tickets available “HERE”
