SHEFFIELD,U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers ensured that they would be in the final four playoff weekend, with a 12-7 aggregate victory over the Edinburgh Capitals. The first leg was held last Friday (March 27) in Sheffield, where the BMI Baby Elite League champions ran away 8-2 winners.
Steelers forward Jeff Legue played a pivotal role with two goals and an assist, in his first game back after being away visiting his ill father back in Canada. Legue also received a heartfelt welcome and was presented with his league championship medal, and got to parade the league trophy around, which he missed with his teammates over a fortnight ago in Newcastle. Legue was rather modest about his performance, when speaking after the game, “I thought we played well tonight. I was a little rusty in the first period but thought I did ok in the 2nd and 3rd, I got my legs going and we came out on top, we deserved the win no question.” Legue said Legue also spoke of his personal circumstances, “The reaction of everyone for my situation has been amazing, seeing everyone stand for me tonight was something that will last with me for a long time, thanks to all the fans for that. Now what we all have to do is make the final four in Nottingham and go on and win it again I guess.” Steelers then faced Edinburgh again 48 hours later north of the border in Scotland. The Steelers lost the game 5-4, but Legue once again received the plaudits with his two goals, and a man of the match performance.
Dave Matsos%2C Steelers Head-coach ( Photo by Mark Tredgold)
Steelers will face Cardiff Devils in the first semi final, who made it through to the final four with a 6-5 aggregate win, decided by overtime, against the Belfast Giants. Steelers Head Coach Dave Matsos spoke after the Edinburgh game about the crucial semi final fixture, “So it’s Cardiff next week, they have done very well beating Belfast out, that was a killer of a series and they will be very tough next Saturday. They will want revenge for last year I’m sure, they are playing well, scoring goals and winning games. This will be a great game.” Matsos said The Steelers have great form against the Welsh outfit this season, facing them six times, winning five of them, and recording three shutouts along the way. Cardiff Devils aren’t likely to be pushovers, as they are on form themselves, winning their last six league games, and the shock playoff victory against the Giants. Devils have several forwards who can find the back of the net, including mid-season arrival Matt Elich, who has had a big influence notching 26 points during his 22 games with the Devils. Ex-AHL’er and joint leading points scorer Mike Prpich has had a great year, racking up 68 points. Prpich has 15 powerplay goals, second in the league behind David Beauregard of Manchester Phoenix, who has 17 goals. Playmaker Jay Latulippe is another one to watch, he is the Devils’ joint leading points scorer with 68, and has 231 penalty minutes this season. The surprise of the Devils’ season has to be the performances of Cardiff-born ex- Steeler, Phil Hill. The power forward has an impressive 50 points to his name this season, with his previous best in the Elite League being 17 points. The two key threats could be that of goaltender Peter Aubry, who is third in the league with a goals against average of 2.44, and a 92.2% save percentage. The Devils notorious physical play will also be an important factor, with the heavy-hitting playoff mentality of the Elite League. Devils have a collective 1571 penalty minutes, only four penalty minutes behind leaders Newcastle Vipers, whist Sheffield lie in third with 1453. The other semi final features a grudge match between Coventry Blaze and Nottingham Panthers, which have been fiery encounters this season. They have also featured a war of words between respective coaches Paul Thomspson and Corey Neilson. In the six league encounters Coventry have won the series 4-2, but Nottingham will be looking for a win on home ice. Both teams have offensive firepower, as a combined total of seven players are in the top 15 league point scorers. Whoever makes it to the final out of the four teams, they will be sure to provide a fast, upbeat physical weekend at the National Ice Centre. Contact the author at
Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com Related
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