Lemtyugov's OT wonder goal steals extra point for Sheffield

Photos: Scott Wiggins

Nikolai Lemtyugov's fantastic overtime winner was enough to earn Sheffield two points in Coventry in a game that the Blaze had led by two going into the final stages.

Former Blaze man Marc-Olivier Vallerand gave the Steelers the lead inside 21 seconds, but the hosts responded through Dillon Eichstadt at 6:57, and then Luke Ferrera was on point to put them ahead at 8:02. 

Sheffield fought back through Tanner Eberle at 29:20, but again the Blaze took the lead - this time Andrew Johnston at 31:09 with the goal that ensured the hosts would lead at the break. 

A touch of fortune got the Steelers level with Eberle's shot rebounding in off Justin Hamonic's skate with 3;29 played in period three. The Blaze however looked to have taken control when Evan Bloodoff wristed home from the slot at 46:11 and then fired home just over two minutes later to put his team 5-3 ahead. The Steelers fought back thanks to Marek Trončinsky's clever play knocking the puck in from behind the goal off CJ Motte's skates at 55:16 - and then Lucas Sandström's rocket tied things up with 1:16 to play. 

This game was going to need a special goal to win it, and Lemtyugov obliged in overtime as he skated form his own zone, faked a shot, and pulled a move on Motte to win the game 1:39 into the extra period.

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