Steelers edge Giants in Part 1 of weekend double bill

Photo: Dean Woolley

A third period powerplay goal was the difference to earn Sheffield Steelers a tight 2-1 win over Belfast Giants at Utilita Arena on Saturday night, keeping the hosts just six points behind league leaders Guildford Flames with three games in hand.

There were no goals in an opening period period where both sides had good chances to score, although the Giants will feel they had the better of the opportunities to go ahead. 4:50 into period two, Steve Owre finished in front of Matt Greenfield after good work from Scott Conway in the corner to put the Giants ahead. The home side levelled at 31:47 when Brandon McNally turned the puck over in the corner and passed in front to Tomáš Putule who beat Jackson Whistle to tie things up.

Greenfield made an excellent save to deny Chad Butcher early in period three, and his side made the most of his good work to keep the game level with a go-ahead goal at the other end. With Ciaran Long in the penalty box for a double high-sticking minor, Brett Neumann turned and shot from Danny Kristo's pass to put the Steelers ahead - the Giants bench continued their protests at the original call. A late penalty on Steelers captain Jonathan Phillips put the Giants on a late powerplay, and with Whistle pulled they went 6-on-4 to try and find an equaliser, but there was no be no late trying goal and the Steelers held on for a narrow win.