Steelers confirm top spot in cup Group C

Photo: Panthers Images

Sheffield Steelers secured their place on top of Premier Sports Challenge Cup Group C with a two-goal road win against rivals Nottingham, ending the Panthers' chances of topping the group.

The Steelers took the lead on the game's first penalty - with Aaron Thow sitting for roughing, the Steelers passed the puck around well in the attacking zone before Kevin Schulze set up Robert Dowd for the slapshot at 6:09, although Kevin Carr would probably have positioned himself better.

Matthew Myers levelled the scores from another tight angle 35 seconds into Anthony DeLuca's tripping minor to make it one each at 27:42, but 59 seconds before the end of the period Matias Sointu continued his incredible form with his eighth goal for the team in nine games to put the Steelers back ahead.

Sointu then turned provider for Martin Látal who beat Carr again from the short side to put the visitors two ahead early in the third period. Christophe Boivin was unlucky not to get the Panthers back into things shortly after when his snipe came back off the crossbar.

That was as far as the goals went, with the Steelers holding on for their first win in Nottingham this season. Rok Stojanovič with 42 saves for the visitors.

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