SHEFFIELD, U.K.- The Sheffield Steeldogs narrowly beat the Wildcats 6-5 (OT) at Swindon to extend their winning streak to four games.
It took just three minutes for the Steeldogs to take the lead, and it was through Captain Fantastic, Greg Wood, who glided through the Swindon defence before firing the puck into the back of the net.
Edgars Bebris doubled the score-line for the Steeldogs with a hopeful shot that trickled underneath Swindon netminder, Dean Skinns at 14:09.
Just 21 seconds into the second period, Pavel Gomeniuk extended Sheffield’s lead to three on the PP with a spectacular shot that rocketed past Skinns into the back of the net.
The Wildcats fought back, however, scoring three goals within 10 minutes to bring the score back to 3-3. Michel Kapicka instigated the Swindon comeback, slotting the puck into the back of the net on the rebound, after a shot from Aaron Nell was saved, leaving Steeldogs netminder, Dmitri Zimozdra, stranded.
Wildcat, Sam Bullas, made it 3-2 at 36:09, after reacting quickly to a loose puck, before firing the puck into the net. Moments later, at 37:15, Kapicka recorded his second goal of the game to make it 3-3 and complete the Wildcat’s comeback and mark the end of the second period.
At 43:44, Ben Morgan regained the lead for the Steeldogs, creating a goal out of nothing to give his side a 4-3 lead.
The Wildcats clawed their way back into the game once more, however, scoring at 46:29 through Jamie Hayes. Jonas Höög almost gave Swindon the lead seconds later but the referee, Jurjis Solovjovs, ruled out the goal.
The Wildcats then took the lead for the first time in the game, another 30 seconds later, with Höög displaying some tremendous stick skills before slotting the puck past Zimozdra.
Steeldogs Captain%2C Greg Wood%2C scores two and secures the MOTM award (Picture courtesy of the Sheffield Steeldogs)
The Steeldogs regained their composure and fought back to equalise moments later, with Greg Wood securing his tenth goal of the campaign at 47:38 to draw the Steeldogs back level. With neither team finding the crucial winning goal, the third period ended 5-5, sending both teams into OT.
Just 30 seconds before the end of OT, Sheffield’s Derek Campbell found the all important winning goal to end the game 6-5.
The MOTM was award to Greg Wood, for his relentless effort and his clinical finishing in front of the net.
The Steeldogs next face the Slough Jets at home on Saturday Oct. 20. before travelling to Bracknell to tackle the Bees on Sunday Oct. 21.
Contact the writer at ryan.laycock@prohockeynews.com
