SHEFFIELD, UK – A superb performance by the Steelers has given them the upper hand at half time in the Challenge Cup semi final against Cardiff Devils.
Sheffield will take a 4 goal lead into the 2nd leg of the semi final after a convincing 6-2 home victory.
Goals from Tim Wallace (short handed), Scott Aarssen, Ben O’Connor, Mathieu Roy, Matt Marquardt and Levi Nelson had fans on the edge of their seat in one of the performances of the year.
An early Andreas Jamtin penalty gave the Devils the perfect opportunity to take the lead at ICE Sheffield but it was Tim Wallace and Steelers who took the lead, a superb and patient short handed strike at 5.23.
A one time blast from Scott Aarssen doubled the Steelers advantage 63 seconds later (assisted Franssila and Neiley)
Tim Wallace’s tripping minor gave the Devils the chance to cut the deficit and they did just that when Matt Pope converted on the power-play.
Steelers hit straight back when Ben O’Connor added a 3rd with less than 5 minutes remaining in the period.
Steelers hit a further two goals in the middle period.
First of all Mathieu Roy scored on the powerplay just 85 seconds in.
Then Levi Nelson and Mark Matheson assisted on Matt Marquardt’s strike as the Steelers led 5-1.
Things got even better for the Steelers when in the 3rd period they scored a 6th, great work from Jonathan Phillips in setting up Levi Nelson.
The Devils did manage a 2nd, a short handed effort from Joey Haddad in the final minutes to round off the scoring on the night.
Final Score: Steelers 6-2 Cardiff Devils.
In the other Cup semi final: Nottingham Panthers 1-5 Belfast Giants.
With Steelers match report
Photos by Michael Johnson
@MickGta
Michael.Johnson@prohockeynews.com
@prohockeynews.com
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