Sheffield Steelers’ four-game winning streak ended last night as they suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat at home against Guildford Flames. The Flames won all their away games in Sheffield last season and managed a narrow win on Saturday.
Despite leading the league table and in a great run of form, the Steelers got off to a flat start, not making much of an impact until 30 minutes in.
Peter Crinella scored in the 6th minute to give the Flames a lead. Although consistently on the attack, some wayward passes and excellent shot stopping by Flames goaltender and man of the match Eamon McAdam kept the Steelers trailing.
A fluke shot from behind by Steven McParland doubled the Flames’ lead in the second period before Brett Neumann got one back for the Steelers minutes later. The crowd came alive and momentum shifted to the Steelers.
Several promising Steelers attacks early in the third period paid off when Daniel Ciampini fired a long-range shot into the net to level the score at 2-2. In the final 10 minutes of regular time, the frenetic end-to-end play couldn’t lead either side a winning goal.
Goals from tonight's game against @flamesicehockey pic.twitter.com/kLmF5aMiYG
— Sheffield Steelers (@steelershockey) December 9, 2023
In the five-minute sudden death overtime, the Steelers were determined in attack but couldn’t break through. With milliseconds left on the clock, Steelers captain Robert Dowd looked to have scored, but on review, the buzzer went before the goal.
With the scores still tied at 2-2, the game would be decided on penalties. McAdam stayed on top form and the Steelers couldn’t convert any of their penalties as Crinella and McParland scored again to give the Flames a penalty shoot-out win.
After a hard-fought comeback, the Steelers only came away with one point. They stay top of the league as they travel to a struggling Fife Flyers side tonight.
New signing Zach Vinnell was unveiled before the match today. The Canadian defenceman joins the Steelers from Glasgow Clan to cover for the injured Sam Jones. Steeler’s man of the match Colton Saucerman, also a defenceman, celebrated his 400th professional ice hockey game.
Image Credit: @steelershockey via X