Sheffield Steelers 1 Nottingham Panthers 5: Fox's men unravel against rivals as title hopes are hit

Sheffield Steelers' league ambitions were dented by the team that just loves to beat them.
Tanner Eberle celebrates his goal against Nottingham. Picture: Dean Woolley.Tanner Eberle celebrates his goal against Nottingham. Picture: Dean Woolley.
Tanner Eberle celebrates his goal against Nottingham. Picture: Dean Woolley.

Nottingham Panthers blasted five goals past Sheffield and totally deserved their emphatic win.

Steelers had won nine out of their previous 10 home games, the exception being the last time Panthers had played at the Arena.

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But Saturday night saw home side unravelled to the tune of 1-5.

They were second to the puck and a step behind Tim Wallace's men from the start.

The only plus point was that title rivals Cardiff Devils lost at Belfast Giants.

Tomorrow night, Sheffield must try to regain their momentum at Guildford Flames.

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Nottingham arrived like a bear with a sore head - they had lost a 3-1 lead in the Challenge Cup semi final second leg against Cardiff Devils to forfeit the chance of playing Sheffield in March 8th's final.

And they dominated the first period, even when they were on the penalty kill.

Steelers gave away the puck cheaply, were outworked one-on-one, and were defensively suspect.

It was alarming to see how often they were being outnumbered in critical areas.

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Fourth-placed Panthers caught out their hosts two-on-one on a home power play and just failed to convert.

Aaron Brocklehurst has his hands full against Nottingham. Picture: Hayley RobertsAaron Brocklehurst has his hands full against Nottingham. Picture: Hayley Roberts
Aaron Brocklehurst has his hands full against Nottingham. Picture: Hayley Roberts

But when Janne Kolehmainen lunged in with a two-footed soccer style tackle and was ordered to the penalty box, Julian Talbot scored assisted by Mark Matheson, Samuel Herr.

Ryan Horvat hit Tomas Duba's bar. Samuel Herr shot just wide. Oliver Betteridge almost punished Marek Troncinsky's fumble.

Panthers' fans had just finished their tiresome "If you all hate Steelers.." chant when Tanner Eberle drew a penalty behind the net and then converted a chance in front of goal on the power play to level at 21;54.

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But Sheffield yielded a five-on-three penalty and Samuel Herr put the visitors 2-1 up.

Four minutes later Dylan Malmquist added another, the first even-handed goal of the evening coming with Sheffield's first line on the ice.

Steelers, still misplacing passes and wasteful while on the power play, were unrecognisable from the team that had built such a formidable lead at the top of the EIHL table.

And the match looked over when Brett Perlini put Nottingham 4-1 up at 34:18.

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It had been a horror 1-3 period and Sheffield needed to switch up a gear, to say the least.

But the team looked as if they lacked leadership and focus as they conceded a fifth, from Jacob Hansen.

Coach Aaron Fox will hope this dramatic slip in form will be a one-off.

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