Blaze Strike on the power-play in the 3rd to take the points.
Two third period power-play goals from the Blaze ensured the points for the home team at the Sky Dome on Sunday
Steelers had led 2-1 going into the final period however had to kill a Blaze 5 on 3 advantage following late second period penalties to Daniel Ciampini and Brandon Whistle
Blaze struck twice and despite a fight back from the Steelers they couldn’t find the equalising goal and conceded a late 4th goal as they pressed forward at the other end.
The story on Sunday …
Matt Greenfield returned to the line up and Finlay Ulrick also stayed with the Steelers for the game.
First Period …
01.56 and the Steelers lead 1-0 as Robert Dowd assists on Marco Vallerands goal (point number 739 for Dowdy as he chases Colin Shields all time EIHL points record)
05.16 and Brein Diffley off for hooking, the Blaze on the PP – and they convert at 06.08 as Brandon Anderson fires past Matt Greenfield. (1-1)
Luciani stole the puck and went close with Greenfield making the big save as he got his shoulder across
13.27 Penalties, Dowd and Balmas to the box for roughing, joined by Cressey – Blaze power-play
Matt Greenfield called into action twice making important saves.
16.37 Steelers turn on the power-play as Huttula taken down by Anderson (Boarding)
17.43 and the power-play becomes a 5/3 power-play as Kennedy gets 2 for checking to the head
Steelers woes the power-play continue as the Blaze kill both the 5/3 and the 5/4 advantage
End of the first period … Blaze 1-1 Steelers
Second Period …
A dominant middle session by the Steelers who deserve more than the one goal they(eventually) scored to take the lead 2-1
23.22 more power-play time for the Steelers with Capps off for tripping
Blaze killed though Steelers created throughout without scoring
Couple f chances at one end for the Steelers, both to Dowdy, but on the break the Blaze looked dangerous and Greenfield called into action.
Saucerman with a blast down the right win that caught Blaze goalie Robson on the top of the shoulder
Leavens to Watling was the next chance, still no breakthrough
38.37 and eventually the Steelers score, great play from Juusola and Watling and a one time blast from Tansey for the 2-1 lead
Then the Steelers ran into penalty trouble …
First Ciampini with a 5 plus a game misconduct for cross checking, giving the Blaze a 5 minute power-play.
Then as the period ended, Brandon Whistle took two for cross checking meaning the Blaze start the final period with a full 2 minute 5-3 Powerplay
Third Period …
Blaze started the period on the front foot and creating chances, Greenfield made some outstanding stops
Just as the Steelers had Brandon Whistle return to the ice the Blaze equalised through Strdsberg and we were tied at 2-2
43.16 and the Blaze scored the eventual game winner, Chase Greenock converting and the sky doe going wild. Steelers killed the reminder of the 5 minute major against Ciampini and we returned to 5 on 5 hockey.
Juusola went close after a nice feed from Brandon Whistle, Cormier and Saucerman also had chances.
It was Juusola again who went close, this time off a Watling feed.
56.25 as the Steelers pushed forward the Blaze broke on the counter, this time it was Heintz who scored the security of the 4th goal.
Aaron Fox called a time out, Steelers pulled Greenfield to the bench but it wasn’t to be and the Steelers go down 4-2 to the Blaze.
Steelers man of the match was Kevin Tansey