Ryan Tait wins overtime thriller as Sheffield Steelers edge Nottingham Panthers
Sheffield Steelers beat fierce rivals Nottingham Panthers at the Utilita Arena
Sheffield Steelers claimed the first rivalry win of the season with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Nottingham Panthers at the Utilita Arena.
Ryan Tait scored the winner in the extra period after Mitchell Balmas had twice found the net for Sheffield, including the goal that brought up his 250th EIHL point.
The opening period finished scoreless, with Nottingham enjoying the better of the early pressure and Matt Greenfield making several important saves.
Sheffield struck just 16 seconds into the second period when Olivier Archambault found Balmas, who beat Mat Robson to give the home side the lead.
The Panthers responded quickly.
Tim Doherty levelled six minutes into the period before Joe Hazeldine made it 2-1 three minutes later.
Sheffield had opportunities to respond, including a shorthanded two-on-none break involving Tim Gettinger and Mikko Juusola, but Robson stood firm.
The Steelers increased the pressure in the third period and were eventually rewarded.
After Nottingham’s Jaakko Niskala was assessed a double minor for high-sticking, Sheffield created several good looks before Balmas found space at the top of the circles and fired home the equaliser.
The goal was his second of the night and marked EIHL point number 250.
Neither side could find a winner in regulation, sending the game into overtime.
Balmas then had the chance to complete his hat-trick from a penalty shot but was denied by Robson.
The decisive moment came soon afterwards.
Adam Rockwood broke down the boards and found Tait, who finished to secure the extra point and give Sheffield the 3-2 win.
Balmas was named Steelers Man of the Match after his two-goal performance, while Robson took the award for Nottingham.
The result gave Sheffield the bragging rights from the first Steelers-Panthers meeting of the new campaign.