Sheffield Steelers fight back from 3-0 down to beat Manchester Storm in thriller
Sheffield Steelers came from behind in their latest pre-season friendly
Sheffield Steelers completed their pre-season schedule with a dramatic 6-5 shootout victory over Manchester Storm after recovering from 3-0 down at the AO Arena.
More than 11,000 supporters watched Manchester’s first game in their new home, and the Storm gave them plenty to celebrate early on by racing into a three-goal first-period lead.
The Steelers responded strongly in the second, with Sean Collins, Robbie Stucker and Brandon Whistle scoring to level the game at 3-3 before Brady Gilmour restored Manchester’s advantage.
After a lengthy delay caused by ice problems, Connor Lee made it 5-3 to the Storm, but Sheffield refused to go away.
Leevi Teissala pulled one back on a power play before Manchester had a chance to restore their advantage from a penalty shot.
That was denied by Steelers netminder Lucas Brine, who had replaced Matt Greenfield at the start of the second period.
The save proved crucial.
Shortly afterwards and whilst killing a 5 minute major penalty to Leevi Teissala Tim Gettinger broke down the wing and found Logan Roe, who scored to make it 5-5 and force overtime.
Sheffield began the extra period shorthanded but survived the remainder of a major penalty before the game headed to a shootout.
Neither side could convert in the opening rounds, but Mitchell Balmas eventually broke the deadlock in sudden death.
That left Drydn Dow needing to score for Manchester, but Brine made the decisive stop to secure the victory.
Brine was named Steelers Man of the Match after a performance that included several key saves, a penalty-shot stop and the decisive moment in the shootout.
The result completed a memorable final pre-season weekend for Aaron Fox’s side, who had beaten Manchester 4-1 at the Utilita Arena the previous night.
Manchester Storm 5, Sheffield Steelers 6 (after shootout).