Guimond secures the points, Balmas adds a 4th as Steelers win again in Nottingham.
A top quality road performance by the Steelers as they extended their winning streak against the Nottingham Panthers.
Steelers led 1-0 after 20 minutes through Finlay Ulrick, and 2-1 after 40, Marco Vallerand with a cracker.
Panthers tied the game through Tim Doherty but moments later Sasha Guimond scored the eventual game winner, Mitchell Balmas with the empty net goal eased the nerves.
Steelers welcomed back Patrick Watling but are without Colton Saucerman (with Cole Shudra back on defence).
It’s Bernard Vs. Greenfield between the pipes in Nottingham tonight.
First Period …
The Panthers came out strong in the early stages but a penalty against Nieminen took away their momentum.
Steelers couldn’t make the one man advantage count despite chances for Messrs Vallerand and Guimond.
Watling found Brandon Whistle out in front but he failed to get his shot away
Cole Shudra fake shot the puck looking for a Vallerand tip as Steelers started to slant the ice in their favour.
Panthers did go close when Herr couldn’t convert after Matt Greenfield failed to hold onto the puck.
Matt Spencer to the box for tripping as the Steelers had their second crack on the power-play
Vallerand found Ciampini for the best chance on the PP
Then the goal came, it was Brein Diffley doing the work and getting his shot away only for the rebound to fall in front of Finlay Ulrick, he reached out and prodded the puck home at 17.24
End of the first period: Panthers 0-1 Steelers
Panthers were quickly level when Ollie Betteridge scored a wonder goal, turning on a sixpence and firing over the should of Matt Greenfield at 22.38
Nottingham then pressed, tilting the ice for a few shifts afterwards. Doherty had the best chance as he drove the net forcing the save from Greenfield.
At the other end Tansey forced a save from Bednard after a nice feed from Watling
Power-Play number 3 for the Steelers with Jordan Kendall off for delay of game.
Balmass had the best chance on the PP, firing into Bernard who made the save and held onto the puck.
Dowdy looked like he had broken the deadlock but Bernard again made a fine stop.
Logan Neilson wripped one that deflected off Matt Greenfield’s helmet
Diffley off for slashing gave Nottingham their first power-play of the night, both Herr and Roy had half chances.
At 36.53 the chance came and Marco Vallerand powered a wrist shot home that Bernard didn’t see, Steelers led 2-1
End of the second period: Panthers 1-2 Steelers
Nottingham once again came out on the front foot, they were helped by a hooking minor against Mitchell Balmas. Steelers killed well.
Steelers on top and creating chances, but the Panthers hit back against the run of play.
Bednard made a huge stop and in a couple of seconds Tim Doherty was one on one with Matt Greenfield, he went five hole and scored, we were tied at 2-2
49.44 and Sasha Guimond said “Hold My Beer” firing top shelf for the eventual game winner, Tansey and Vallerand with assists.
Brandon Whistle tripped and taken hard into the boards, he made his way to the bench and then the dressing room.
Diffley went close forcing a pad save, but behind the play Simpson would be about to head to box for tripping.
Panthers time out after Balmas took a slashing minor, Nottingham with a lengthy 5 on 3 PP
Vallerand, not once but twice made great interceptions to clear the puck 200 feet.
58.56 and Balmas, now out of the box found the empty net for goal number 4
Final Score: Nottingham Panthers 2-4 Sheffield Steelers
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