Steelers edge past Storm on Sunday afternoon

Photo: Dean Wolley

Sheffield Steelers picked up the two points they needed to move to within a win of Belfast Giants at the top of the Premier Sports Elite League, thanks to a one-goal win over Manchester Storm on Sunday afternoon.

The opening period was tight at the Utilita Arena, but the 7.183-strong crowd eventually had something to cheer for just shy of the 13-minute mark. With Storm setting up in the attacking zone, a miscontrol from Frankie Melton allowed Rob Dowd to break the line and skate the length of the ice before firing high past Jason Bacashihua. 

Period two followed the caginess of the first with the sides splitting just 18 shots across the 20 minutes. The visitors grew into the game and had a great chance to tie things through Harry Gulliver, but after Rok Stojanovič's save Frankie Melton shot form from the slot with a bottle-posting wrist-shot at 38 minutes exactly.

Storm had a good chance to take the lead on an early powerplay but having not taken advantage of two so far in the game they were eventually punished. Matias Sointu cut across the crease and forced a good save from Bacashihua but Brandon Whistle skated in to put home the rebound.

Manchester had another powerplay chance with seven minutes remaining, but going 0/3 on their advantages probably cost them taking a point from the game. With Bacashihua pulled, Storm went for broke but couldn't really force Stojanovič into any extra action and the hosts saw out the final minute for a narrow win.