Shot-shy Sheffield Steelers must take their chances

Sheffield had just five shots in 40 minutes in the Challenge Cup final defeat at Cardiff Devils on Sunday.

And the GB defenceman recognised the importance at taking opportunities when they presented themselves.

“We had a game plan, 1-4, keep them to the perimeter, and for the most part we did that” he said.

“We tried to hit them on the break and we did do that, but we didn’t finish as many chances as we’d like.

“When we play that type of hockey we have to be clinical.”

O’Connor said Devils, the Elite League champions-elect, were a “hell of a team and so are we.

“Anybody watching the game can tell that was a very good hockey game from both teams. We both had chances.

“They had us hemmed in for a lot of the game, to give them credit.

“But a lot of it was perimeter, the (Cardiff) shots that were taken were from the perimeter and we have got the best goalie in the League who is going to save those all day long. So we are ok with that.

“We had chances in the first that maybe we didn’t take, they come to bite you at the end of the game.

“It is heartbreaking to lose to them again.

“They take their chances better and that has shown over the course, when we have played them. Look at the scorelines they have always been close.”

O’Connor said it was impossible to predict how the results would pan out against Cardiff and other teams as the

League season draws to a close.

It was important to play hard, finish as high as possible, and take strong form into the Play Offs.