Steelers take commanding first leg lead

Photos: Al Goold

Sheffield Steelers took a commanding lead in their Challenge Cup Semi-Final series with Glasgow Clan thanks to a 5-1 win in Scotland.

The opening period was goalless at Intu Braehead but the Steelers, who won both recent meetings between the teams, took the lead through Marc-Olivier Vallerand at 23:29. The Clan hit back almost immediately thanks to Mikael Lidhammar getting the final touch from close range to tie the game 67 seconds later, and the period would and all square.

24 seconds into the final period Tanner Eberle surprised everyone when his shot not only found the net but went straight through it - the goal was confirmed after video review. Things then got worse for the hosts as Eberle scored again at 48:52 shortly before the Clan were able to kill off a third straight penalty. A nice finish from John Armstrong made it 4-1 at 54:42, before a nice play from Lucas Sandström made it five at 56:44.