Late Cormier goal wins it for Steelers PHN's Best Shots of the Game

Sheffield Steelers left it late but claimed a 4-3 home win over Guildford Flames in an entertaining game at the Utilita Arena.

“I thought we started really well, got a good two-goal lead going and in the first period were pretty dominant,” said Steelers forward Cole Shudra. “As the game went on, we let them back into it for that two-minute stretch where they got two quick ones. It was tough when they tied it up, but we never gave up.”

After a goalless opening spell, the Steelers broke the deadlock just past the midway point of the first period. Brien Diffley’s pass from the point found Cliff Pu in front, who pulled Justin Fazio out of position before backhanding into the open net. Less than a minute later, Mitchell Heard doubled the lead, toe-dragging a Flames defenceman and firing past Fazio for two quick goals.

Against the run of play, the Flames pulled one back through Josh Nixon, who capitalised on a turnover from Pu and fired high past Matt Greenfield. Only 40 seconds later, Mathieu Gosselin tied the game with a one-timer from the point that flew past the Steelers netminder.

With under three minutes to play in the second period, Shudra restored Sheffield’s lead, redirecting Ryan Tait’s pass from close range to make it 3-2. ”I thought we did well to bounce back,” he added. “It was a simple entry play and a great pass from Tait – perfect for me to tip it over the goalie.”

Guildford refused to go away and were rewarded when Ethan Strang scored from in front to tie the game late in regulation. “I thought we played a good game,” said Strang. “We were short of bodies and it’s tough to come into a building like this, but we played a full 60 minutes against a really strong team. I’m proud of our effort tonight – it’s just tough to lose it in the final minute.”

The Flames looked set to take a point back to Surrey, but with only 48 seconds left, Dominic Cormier’s shot from the blue line found its way through traffic and beat Fazio to give the Steelers a dramatic late winner.

“When you win late it’s always a nice feeling,” concluded Shudra. “It feels a little bit sweeter – it was a great shot by Dom and nice to get that win.”

With EIHL match report