Sheffield Steelers extended their winning streak and surged to the top of the league with a commanding shutout victory over Dundee Stars.
The Steelers headed into the match off the back of an impressive Saturday night victory over Manchester Storm in the Cup. Meanwhile, the Stars suffered an overtime heartbreak against Nottingham in their previous outing.
Despite losing the initial face-off, the Steelers nearly took the lead within seconds, putting pressure on the Stars with a goalmouth scramble that required a last-ditch clearance.
After the initial scare, the Stars began brightly and created the first clear-cut chance, with Spencer Naas breaking through on goal, only to be denied by the Steelers goalkeeper, Matthew Greenfield.
Gradually, the Steelers gained control of the tempo, orchestrating attacks and pressuring the Stars’ defence. Their persistence almost paid off as Sam Jones rattled the frame of the net.
Tempers flared eight minutes into the first period, leading to a fight between Robert Dowd and James Phelan that resulted in both players receiving five-minute penalties for their altercation.
The tension heightened as Dundee looked destined to score, only for Greenfield to receive a tripping penalty, sparking controversy within the Utilita. Despite the Stars’ man advantage, they failed to convert their opportunities, unable to breach the Steelers’ defence.
The Steelers, back to full strength, took control once again and broke the deadlock with a beautifully worked goal in the 13th minute. Colton Saucerman and Marc-Olivier Vallerand combined to set up the Canadian, Mitchell Balmas, who struck past Kevin Carr.
Dominating the play, the Steelers quickly doubled their lead as Matthew Petgrave’s ingenuity set up Josh Nicholls to smash the puck into the top corner in the 18th minute.
The intensity persisted as Phelan’s clash with Saucerman led to another skirmish, resulting in both players receiving five-minute penalties, meaning Phelan was ejected for his second major offence.
The second period witnessed a cautious approach from both teams, with limited opportunities on either end. While the Steelers aimed to protect their lead, chances were few and far between for the Stars. They did, however, manage to create an opening for Anthony Rinaldi, but he squandered the crucial chance, shooting straight at Greenfield.
Starting the third period on the front foot, Dundee launched a relentless counter-attacking strategy, creating numerous opportunities to bridge the gap.
However, their failure to convert these chances proved costly, as the Steelers capitalised on an opening with just over eight minutes to go. Balmas showcased his skill, outmanoeuvring the Stars’ keeper before setting up Nicholls for his second goal, sealing the fate of the contest.
A WINNING WEEKEND 🍊😮💨#BleedOrange #SteelersHockey pic.twitter.com/9EZXHEPhC2
— Sheffield Steelers (@steelershockey) October 15, 2023
It was the nail in the coffin for the Stars who could have conceded a fourth late on as both Patrick Watling and Mikko Juusola missed chances.
Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t comfortable for the Steelers, but they showed their quality up top to take a crucial victory.
It leaves the Steelers top of the EIHL, whilst the Stars sit seventh with just three points to their name.
Sheffield Steelers 3 (Balmas 13’, Nicholls 18’ 51’)
Dundee Stars 0
Image Credit: @steelershockey via Twitter/X
