Steelers were never behind in this one, but only won the game with 49 seconds remaining in overtime, this after killing a late penalty that ran into the OT period. Mitchell Balmas was once again the hero netting the winner
Steelers had led 2-1 after the first period (Dowd and Balmas) but the Devils hit back with two quick goals in the middle period to tie the game 3-3
A scoreless final period saw the teams head into overtime and with chances at both ends it looked like a shoot out was approaching, not to be as Balmas sniped the game winning goal.
First Period …
A cagey opening couple of minutes with both sides feeling each other out, Cardiff then tilted the ice and Olischefski in particular had three incredible chances, Fournier also found Matt Greenfield’s glove.
Steelers first real chance came at 4.43 with Dowdy and Juusola combining to set up the Ice Man, Balmas found the back of the net for 0-1
Reece Kelly headed to the box at 8.16 for slashing, the Steelers killed and killed well, Sam Tremblay especially outstanding killing time.
Just 10 seconds after the Devils came back to full strength their fourth line struck when Ben Davies fed the puck to Brandt who fired home from the slot (1-1)
Our fourth line was also going to work, keeping the puck deep, Shudra, Nordstrom and Tansey outstanding
On a delayed call, Stephen Harper went close with Bowns making the save.
The penalty was called on Sanford for tripping, it set up the Steelers first power play and eventually the second unit scored the most important of goals. Jordon Southorn firing just wide, the puck bounced off the backboards and Dowdy was there to fire home with a one timer (1-2) at 18.38
Period Ends: Devils 1-2 Steelers
Second Period …
Fournier with a chance that Greenfield covers up.
23.06 Steelers lead 3-1 but a lot goes into this goal.
Steelers thought the puck had crossed the line but the play went on, when a break in play came about the play was reviewed, the goal stood and clock bought back to 22.12
22.50 and the Devils hit right back, Lacroix with a backhand, Steelers once again reviewed as they though Olischefski had interfered with Greenfield. The referee’s agreed, it remained 3-1.
Big hit from Helgeson on Nordstrom, Tremblay objected and a fight broke out, both players with 5 for fighting but Sam took the instigator, 17 minutes in total.
Steelers were with out Sam and Ivan for the remainder of the period and the Devils took advantage.
34.28 Perlini with the shot that took a deflection on route to Greenfield’s goal (2-3)
35.33 Esders shot was saved by Greener but the rebound fell on the stick of Kontos who netter home to tie the game
Third Period …
A little more cagey at the start of this period, unlike the hectic openings to the early periods.
Just 3 minutes into the period and Sam Tremblay returned following his 17 minute penalty
A half chance to Dowd and Tansey at one end, heroics at the other end from Huttula in stopping a scoring chance for MacDonald.
Ryan Tait set up Stephen Harper for a one timer but Bowns turned that one away
Sam Duggan thought he had scored but his shot was deflected just wide. Save of the night moments later as Greenfield went East to West to deny Sanford
A delayed penalty against Derek Gentile caused last minute heartache as the Devils pulled Bowns for a lengthy 6 on 5 spell, it resulted in the penalty being called at 58.27
Steelers got to the end of the third period to take a point but as OT started the Devils still had a 4 on 3 PP advantage.
Overtime
Steelers killed, Gentile returned to the ice.
Joey Martin went close with Greenfield kicking it away, Bowns saved off Harper, Balmas with a one timer that went over the bar
Then the game winner, Balmas had a couple of attempts before the final shot beat Boans to claim the second point and take the victory
Final Score: Devils 3-4 Steelers (AOT)
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