"If feels like we are throwing it away", Steelers centreman John Armstrong says after recent dip in form

Sheffield have lost their last four matches, winning just two periods out of 12, and were condemned last Saturday for being lazy and selfish by coach Aaron Fox.

In three of those losses, the squad - so jaw-droppingly offensive for much of the EIHL campaign - scored only two goals or less, per 60 minutes.

The unwanted slump arrived after seven wins on the bounce - and it is only that kind of consistency that can bring them the title now.

Armstrong pulled no punches when it came to describing his mood, after losses to title rivals Nottingham Panthers, Guildford Flames, Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers.

"Right now it feels like we are throwing it away," said the centreman.

He was particularly upset how, in front of 6,370 supporters at the Arena last Saturday, the team "came out flat" against Dundee.

"We have got to show up every game," he said adding that the pressure was on to achieve maximum points in the ten remaining league fixtures.

Asked if Sheffield can do what they haven't achieved earlier this season even while in top-form - that is winning the ten straight matches - the 31-year-old replied: "I think that's what's got to be in our minds.

"We have to think that we need to go unbeaten.

"It wouldn't surprise me if we had to because of Cardiff (Devils: in second place) and there are other teams up there.

"They are good solid teams so we have got to show up every day and we have got to make sure we beat the top teams when we are playing against them and the bottom teams."

Armstrong normally averages around a point a game over a full season at Sheffield.

He is currently the club's sixth top scorer with 18 goals and 28 assists in both competitions.

In December, the 6ft 3ins Canadian was injured and missed five games.

He said he'd not been 100% in some games, after his return. But hockey can be a sport where you have to come back when you are not in peak shape, he said.

Asked about his form he replied: "I think I could do a little more.

"I felt I wasn't myself for a little while. It was great to have some time off and rest so I expect myself to be better the rest of the way."