Penalty shot agony for Sheffield Steelers at Cardiff Devils

Cardiff Devils extended their lead at the top of the league after a pulsating 3-2 (penalty shot) win over Steelers.
Belfast Giants' Michael Forney andSheffield Steelers' Ervins Mustukovs joust for the puck. Photo by William CherryBelfast Giants' Michael Forney andSheffield Steelers' Ervins Mustukovs joust for the puck. Photo by William Cherry
Belfast Giants' Michael Forney andSheffield Steelers' Ervins Mustukovs joust for the puck. Photo by William Cherry

Sheffield, who rattled the pipework on numerous times and had a goal ruled out, can count themselves unfortunate to see the Welsh extend their lead above them to 12 points.

Steelers set off with a notable sense of purpose doubling the number of shots of their hosts in the first period (14-7.) Jesse Schultz, without a goal in his previous six outings struck a post.

But a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty proved costly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Joey Haddad - not the most popular Devil amongst Steeler fans after inflicting a facial injury on Levi Nelson in a previous game - scored on the Power Play at 22;09. Schultz had another chance on a breakaway but directed the puck wide of Ben Bown’s net.

At the mid-way point winger Colton Fretter buried the puck to make it 1-1. Sheffield hit the pipework again, through Davey Phillips and Nelson was thwarted by Bowns’ pad save.

Thhe champions conceded again when Patrick Asselin beat Mustukovs, top shelf, at 44;23.

Mathieu Roy equalised at 47;24, to set up a grand finale. Ben O’Connor hit the post in three-on-three overtime.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Penalty shots decided the fascinating game, Asselin being the only skater to outwit the goalie.

* Steelers lost 2-1 at Belfast on Saturday, thanks to goals from ex Sheffield players Colin Shield and Mike Forney.

John Armstrong scored a consolation.

RESULTS

Sunday 11th December

Elite League

Cardiff Devils 3 Sheffield Steelers 2 (PS)

Dundee Stars 3 Braehead Clan 4

Edinburgh Capitals 6 Fife Flyers 3

Manchester Storm 1 Belfast Giants 2

Nottingham Panthers 6 Coventry Blaze 5 (PS)

FIXTURES

Wednesday 14th December

Elite League

Sheffield Steelers v Dundee Stars - 7.30pm

(At Ice Sheffield)

Challenge Cup 1/4 Final 1st leg

Manchester Storm v Belfast Giants - 7.00pm

Challenge Cup 1/4 Final 2nd leg

Nottingham Panthers v Braehead Clan - 7.30pm

(1st leg result 3-3)

Saturday 17th December

Elite League

Belfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers - 7.00pm

Braehead Clan v Coventry Blaze - 7.00pm

Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers - 7.00pm

Edinburgh Capitals v Dundee Stars - 6.00pm

Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers - 7.00pm

Sunday 18th December

Elite League

Coventry Blaze v Belfast Giants 5.15pm

Dundee Stars v Edinburgh Capitals - 6.30pm

Fife Flyers v Braehead Clan - 6.30pm

Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils - 4.00pm