PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Steelers drop 3-2 decision to Belfast

SHEFFIELD, UK – “Simply unacceptable and not good enough” was the message from head coach Paul Thompson following the 3-2 home loss to the Belfast Giants on Sunday.

Steelers were second best against a sharp and committed Giants side who took the lead in the 11th minute when Colin Shield ripped a shot past Ervins Mustukovs.

On a delayed penalty, Scott Aarssen fed Colton Fretter whose inch perfect shot beat the impressive Jackon Whistle to tie the game 1-1 at 15.20

Brendan Connelly put the Giants 2-1 up with the only goal of the middle period with exactly 6 minutes remaining.

Steelers forced and created chances in the final period but it was Belfast who took advantage of more individual errors when Darcy Murphy slotted home a 3rd at 51.55

Robert Dowd gave the Steelers hope with 5.22 remaining when he fired past Whistle (2-3)

Goalie Ervins Mustukovs was pulled in the final minutes and the Steelers were given an additional lifeline when Jonathan Ferland was called for cross checking with 44 seconds on the clock – the 6 on 4 powerplay didn’t however manage to secure the equalising goal and it was the Giants who took home the 2 points and completed a 4 point weekend following their win in Manchester on Saturday.