The Sheffield Steelers secured a crucial 4-1 win over the Manchester Storm on Saturday, climbing to the top of the Elite League standings.
This victory, following a dominant 10-2 triumph over Glasgow Clan, saw the Steelers extend their strong form with a balanced team effort.
After an early goal from Manchester’s Dallas Ehrhardt, Sheffield quickly responded with Robert Dowd’s equalizer.
This was followed by a bizarre go-ahead goal from Sacha Guimond when David Tendeck misjudged the puck, deflecting it awkwardly and into the net, handing Sheffield a 2-1 advantage.
The Steelers seized control in the second period, with Dowd scoring again to make it 3-1 and Marco Vallerand adding a rebound goal to extend the lead to 4-1.
Despite a few moments of tension and Manchester’s efforts to fight back, Sheffield’s defence and net minding, led by Matthew Greenfield, kept Manchester Storm at bay.
Greenfield finished the game with an impressive 96.15% save percentage, with Sheffield outshooting Manchester 32-26.
Dowd’s two-goal performance earned him Man of the Match honours, and the Steelers then sat one point clear at the top of the standings.
Aaron Fox said: “It’s a huge weekend for us, hopefully we’ve put pressure on Belfast and Nottingham.
“It should be an interesting next couple of weeks”.
The Steelers, who are currently second in the league, have their work cut out, though, as the Belfast Giants, are at the top, after their 5-2 win over the Guilford Flames, yesterday.
Sheffield’s next challenge comes at home against the Dundee Stars on Saturday, followed by a Sunday trip to face the Fife Flyers, who currently at the bottom of the table.
