Steelers come from behind to stay clear at top

Photo: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers stayed two points clear at the top of the Premier Sports elite League with a 5-3 home win against Coventry Blaze, but had to come from two goals down on Sunday in front of 6,642 fans at the Utilita Arena.

Coventry deservedly led by two after the opening 20 minutes in front of a stunned Steelers crowd. Having been grateful to Barry Brust for some excellent last-ditch saves, the Steelers fell behind to Evan Bloodoff's opening goal with a shot that went through a screen with 8:55 gone. Jonny Curran's shot at the second attempt flew past Brust on the powerplay at 15:31 to double the visitors' lead.

Martin Látal jumped on a good Rob Dowd pass to skate through 1-on-0 and beat CJ Motte at 2:56 into period two to bring the Steelers back into the game. Sam Jones tied the game at 34:20 to set up a grandstand third period.

Justin Hodgman put the home side into their first lead of the game on a loose puck at 43:48, with Brandon Whistle making it 4-2 at 49:54 with a tip on Sam Jones' shot. Kevin Schulze's low wrist-shot form the slot with 3:29 to go made things safe for the Steelers, although Sam Russell grabbed his first ever EIHL goal with 15 seconds remaining for the Blaze. The aftermath of his goal was somewhat spoiled by an unnecessary brawl involving Keaton Ellerby and Alec Marsh.

The win means the Steelers made it a perfect weekend after having lost their previous two games.