Steelers back to winning ways with derby victory

Photo: Panthers Images

Sheffield Steelers ended a three-game losing streak with a clinical 4-1 win over rivals Nottingham Panthers at a sold out Motorpoint Arena.

The Steelers led by two after 20 minutes having just shaded the opening period but made the most of their scoring chances. After the visitors rang an early shot off both posts, the Panthers had opportunities at the other end, the best of all falling to Jack Hopkins who didn't get hold of his shot. Matt Petgrave put the Steelers ahead with a floated shot from the point at 15:22, before Daniel Ciampini made it two with 52 seconds left in the first while Panthers goalie Peyton Jones had his stick caught in his own net and was struggling for position.

Nottingham did everything but score in period two as the Steelers stayed two ahead through 40 minutes. David Levin was at the heart of most of the good things the Panthers did but either found Matt Greenfield in his way, or had the lack of a teammate in front to pass to preventing the hosts from getting on the board. Sheffield hit the post twice as they pressed for a third as Matt Petgrave again proved dangerous from the blue line.

Scott Allen's snipe from the slot 1:45 into period three seemed to kill off any hopes of a home side comeback, while a turnover allowed Brendan Connolly to finish smartly for 4-0 at 49:42. Stephen Anderson finished well shorthanded on a breakaway with 65 seconds left to end Matt Greenfield's hopes of a shutout.