Sheffield, U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers had a mixed weekend once again as they lost a spirited encounter 1-0 against old foes the Nottingham Panthers. A David Clarke powerplay goal in the second period was enough to see off the visiting Steelers, who out shot the hosts 30-25 but couldn’t find a way past the in-form Craig Kowalski, who picked up his fifth shutout of the season (his second against the Steelers).
Steelers Challenge Cup hopes still alive
Sheffield got off to a good start, dominating the first period, but a lack of indiscipline in the second and third period quashed any hopes of a Sheffield revival, with the main culprit being Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty who has since apologised for his careless and rash behaviour at the National Ice Centre. Finnerty was given his marching orders after being assessed an abuse of an official penalty with little over a minute remaining in the game, much to the delight of the 6,733 in attendance.
Finnerty spoke of his errant ways after the game, “ We took stupid penalties, especially in the middle period. We lost control. I lost control, both on the ice and in controlling my bench. How can I demand discipline off my players when I didn’t show it myself? I let them, the team and myself down. I learnt a lot about coaching in those heated situations on Saturday and it won’t happen again,” Finnerty confessed.
The Steelers then took to home ice 24 hours later in Challenge Cup action against a much improved Hull Stingrays team who they only just beat 3-2 last weekend after a Neil Clark match winner with ten seconds remaining.
Sheffield grinded out a result again in a less than convincing performance to keep their Challenge Cup hopes alive after a scrappy 2-1 win. The game was sloppy throughout, with several turnovers and defensive lapses.
Sheffield got off to a good start thanks to Colt King who netted his ninth goal of the season at 12:37. The goal came after Ryan Finnerty rattled a shot off the framework from the blueline and Colt King was at hand to net the rebound to give his team a 1-0 lead.
No further scoring followed in the first period, one which both teams shared 11 shots between them.
Sheffield doubled their advantage early in the second period after new boy RG Flath (who’s name is said to be of Native Indian origin, standing for Ronald Geronimo) shot five hole on Christian Boucher after a good outlet pass from Neil Clark at 25:36 to make it 2-0.
The Stingrays pulled a goal back in controversial fashion after new signing Andy McKinney netted at 37:05 with many on the ice believing that the goal was kicked in. The Steelers protests didn’t make a difference and the goal stood, ensuring a nervy finish to the game.
Sheffield pressed and out shot Hull 13-8 in the third period, but couldn’t add to their tally. The final buzzer sounded ensuring that Sheffield claimed the won and a valuable two points in the Challenge Cup.
Sheffield travel to Braehead on Saturday before hosting arch rivals the Nottingham Panthers on Sunday, whom they have yet to beat this season.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
