Steelers extend lead at top

Photo: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers extended their lead at the top of the Elite League to four points with a commanding win over defending champions Belfast Giants.

A three-goal opening period set the hosts on their way to a comfortable win. Mikko Juusola put them ahead inside two minutes, with a Patrick Watling powerplay goal doubling the Steelers' lead at 11:31. Brett Neumann then made it 3-0 with 2:32 left in the period. 

Greg Printz made things interesting with a goal back for the Giants 5:59 into period two, but the Steelers would make things safe in the third.

Exactly 30 minutes after their last goal, Scott Allen put the Steelers back three ahead, while Daniel Ciampini added a fifth with 5:53 to go.

The Steelers extended their winning streak while the Giants have now lost three straight.