Dave Simms' column: Sheffield Steelers don't need to play sexy hockey - they need to be more consistent

A week leading to a Nottingham home game is always exciting.
Aaron Johnson - pic by Dean Woolley Aaron Johnson - pic by Dean Woolley
Aaron Johnson - pic by Dean Woolley

For me, it's still the best fixture to look forward to.

Nottingham have improved since our four meetings in the Challenge Cup, three of which the Steelers won.

After a slow start the Panthers have started winning, they have beaten Belfast twice and last weekend made it to the final stages of the Continental Cup – a stage the Steelers made just three years ago.

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Sheffield go into the game in a strange place - still high up in the standings, coming off the back of an outstanding performance last Saturday at home defeating Coventry but having lost four of the last five games.

Inconsistency is still the biggest word in Sheffield. If it frustrates me and you, think what it must be doing to Aaron Fox.

One day he thinks problem solved and 24 hours later it's back to square one.

Right now we look like a Nottingham team of the past and that’s something we’ve never looked like.

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We always prided ourselves on being something very different to their DNA. More stable, a stronger structure and defensive group. The Panthers often had a list of top point and goalscorers yet no league trophy to show at the end of the year.

I don’t care who scores the goals, I just care who is on the photo of the trophy being lifted.

It was good to have Aaron Johnson back last Saturday, his performance having missed 19 games was off the charts.

It will take him a couple of weeks to get back fully in the groove but in AJ we do trust.

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Last year when we conceded goals it was always blamed on the goalie and the D.

The back-end seems to be getting a hammering from many social media experts but I, you won’t be surprised to note, don’t agree.

Defence is a six-man game. Back pressure is important, discipline is crucial and by discipline I mean knowing your position, your role, your job on the team.

Our problems start when we don’t remember that.

We are a forgiving bunch here in Sheffield.

If we see graft and desire we forgive most other things so when I see Zack Fitzgerald waxing his lyrical’s about how his Glasgow team blocked shots and won the battles it turns my stomach.

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Sexy hockey is lovely, it wins you games but rarely wins you championships.

Just ask Corey Neilson for proof of that.

So this weekend we need a bit of backbone, a bit of that Steve Munn “Thou shall not pass” approach.

We have improved so much since the end of last season but the frustration remains that we all see so much more and there is so much more for this team and this group to get out of the season.

This team is going to be given some rope because I think we all see the potential, all see the positives.

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We like the group and the individuals within it. Steelers have won before because the “team” came first, not the individuals.

If anyone wants a history lesson just step up and ask.

We are so super-skilled and so blessed offensively, however that on its own isn’t enough.

If things continue as they are right now with us being the Boston Bruins one day and the Bradford Bulldogs the next, then maybe some of that skill might have to surprisingly be let go and some more sandpaper brought in.

John Lewis have started their Christmas advertising campaign so why not the Steelers? – tickets are now on sale for both of the holiday games over the Christmas period. Both games are expected to be sell-outs which is good news.

Boxing Day this year will be against the Manchester Storm and Nottingham visit on January 1. Two great occasions at the Fly DSA Arena so get those tickets early!