Steelers edge derby game in front of packed house

Photo: Dean Woolley

A sellout crowd of 9226 packed into the Utilita Arena on Sunday night and were treated to an exciting game as Sheffield overcame rivals Nottingham 5-3.

The Steelers opened the scoring o an excellent rush after absorbing some Panthers pressure. Vojta Polák and Marc-Olivier Vallerand exchanged nice passes before the latter wristed home with seven minutes played. 

That lead was extended to two at 11:22 on another rush with Evan Mosey finishing high over Carr. A big hit from Jordan Kelsall saw objection from Vallerand at 14:48 with both players given major penalties for roughing. Less than 30 seconds later, however, the Steelers were three ahead as the puck bounced around in front of Carr's crease and touched Tanner Eberle last before crossing the line.

Christophe Boivin got the Panthers on the board with a wicked wrist shot from a way out when sent through on the breakaway to cut the deficit to 1-3 1:49 into period two. Mathieu Tousignant then got the visitors back to within one with 33:07 played but Eberle's second of the game with just 30 seconds left in the period put the Steelers back three goals ahead.

Nottingham responded 1:32 into the final period with JC Brassard scoring 92 seconds in, and the game ebbed and flowed as the Panthers chased an equaliser. With Carr pulled for the extra attacker, Martin Látal found the empty net from a tight angle with 22 seconds left to ensure the Steelers would take the points.