PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Steelers thump Belfast, 5-1

A man of the match performance from Ervins Mustukovs backstopped the Steelers to an impressive 5-1 victory over the Belfast Giants on Sunday evening at the Sheffield Arena.

Steelers were outshot 40-32 by the Giants with Mustukovs making several key saves.

Steelers took a 1-0 lead into the first period break after Chris Higgin’s took a 2 minute holding penalty and Mathieu Roy converted on the powerplay at 12.00.

Giants thought they equalised early in the middle period with referee Jan Schmskal deciding the puck was kicked into the goal.

A fight broke out between Davey Phillips and Mike Quesnele with 5 minute fighting majors being handed out.

Steelers extended their lead shortly after with a solo effort and a bullet of a shot from Levi Nelson at 30.59 for a 2-0 scoreline.

Jesse Schults converted on the 5/3 power-play at 36.56 after penalties against  Towe for hooking and Mortinelli for delaying the game. (3-0)

The second period came to a premature end after a double incident involving Giants forward David Rutherford.

Rutherford hit Yared Hagos with a hit to the head – assessed 5 minute penalty and a Game Misconduct

Guillaume Desbiens then challenged Rutherford before falling to ice with Jim Vandemeer on top of the pair of them.

Rutherford was motionless on the ice with medic’s and Dr’s in attendance – the referee called an end to the period so the Giant could be properly treated. An ambulance has taken Rutherford to hospital where he will be assessed.

Schultz scored his 2nd of the night half way through the final period for a 4-0 scoreline.

Tempers frayed late in the game when Jim Vandermeer clashed with Colton Fretter – both players receiving 5 minute penalties for fighting.

Ben O’Connor added a 5th with less than 3 minutes remaining for 5-0

Mustukovs throughout the night was rock solid making important saves and crucial times with the team off his performance.

The illusive shutout however once again disappeared late in the game, 57.24 when former Steeler Colin Shield riffled home for a final score of Steelers 5-1 Belfast Giants.
With Sheffield Steelers match report