Steelers open up 10-point lead

Photo: James Assinder

Sheffield Steelers opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the Elite League with.a convincing win over second-placed Cardiff.

Marcus Crawford had put the Devils ahead with only 36 seconds gone, but they found themselves behind by the intermission. Marc-Olivier Vallerand tied the game with a powerplay goal at 8:30, and just under ten minutes later came through at the back post to beat Bowns again and put the Steelers ahead. 

2:53 into period two, Mitchell Balmas extended the lead to two goals. Cardiff thought they'd pulled one back at 31:56 but the goal was washed out for a high-stick, a decision upheld on video review. Mikko Juusola and Scott Allen scored 47 seconds apart before the period was out to well and truly put the Steelers in control. 

The final period was played out in front of a very quiet Vindico Arena with no further scoring.