Sheffield Steelers stunned by late Panthers fightback in Nottingham
Steepers lost out to their fierce rivals after a late comeback from Nottingham Panthers
Sheffield Steelers were left to rue a dramatic late collapse in Nottingham on Saturday night as two Panthers goals in the final six minutes condemned Aaron Fox’s side to a frustrating 3-2 Challenge Cup defeat.
The Steelers twice led their fierce rivals in front of 6,863 supporters at the Motorpoint Arena, but ultimately left empty-handed after Ben Corbeil struck a power-play winner with just 2:02 remaining.
Goals from the returning Sean Collins and defenceman Logan Roe had twice put Sheffield in control, but Nottingham refused to go away, levelling through Tim Doherty and Zsombor Garat before Corbeil completed the late turnaround.
It was a particularly bitter defeat for Fox and his players, who had looked well placed to secure an important Challenge Cup victory with less than six minutes remaining.
The opening period was a tight affair, with both sides creating opportunities but finding goaltenders Matt Greenfield and Mat Robson in impressive form.
Greenfield was the busier of the two early on, while Sheffield threatened through Mikko Juusola, Adam Rockwood and Brandon Whistle.
Mitchell Balmas and Tim Gettinger also combined on a promising two-on-one break, but neither side could make the breakthrough, with the opening 20 minutes finishing scoreless.
Nottingham started the second period strongly, but it was Sheffield who struck first at 28:11.
Roe fired towards goal and Collins, making his return to the line-up, was perfectly placed to apply the finish, with Ivan Björkly-Nordström also collecting an assist.
The goal appeared to settle the Steelers, who began to enjoy some promising spells of possession, but Nottingham hit back just 81 seconds before the second interval.
Chase Pearson and Darick Louis-Jean combined to set up Doherty, who beat Greenfield at 38:39 to send the teams into the final period level at 1-1.
Sheffield regained the initiative midway through the third period after Ryan Tait had forced Robson into an important save.
The visitors maintained their pressure and Roe produced a superb finish at 46:16, assisted by Evan Jasper, to restore the Steelers' advantage.
With less than 14 minutes remaining, Sheffield appeared to have put themselves in a strong position to take the points.
They successfully negotiated a penalty kill after Gettinger was called for delay of game, with Whistle and Collins particularly prominent in the defensive effort.
However, the Panthers continued to press and were rewarded at 54:48 when Greenfield made an initial save, only for the rebound to fall invitingly for Garat, who fired home the equaliser.
Worse was to follow for Sheffield.
With just over three minutes remaining, Roe was penalised for high sticking, presenting the Panthers with a late power-play opportunity.
The Steelers initially resisted, but Corbeil converted from Zach O'Brien at 57:58 to give Nottingham the lead for the first time in the contest.
Fox immediately looked for a response, calling his timeout with 1:37 remaining and withdrawing Greenfield in favour of an extra skater.
Sheffield threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but the Panthers defended desperately, with Louis-Jean making a crucial late intervention to preserve their advantage.
The final buzzer brought celebrations from the home supporters and considerable frustration for the Steelers, who had been within touching distance of victory.
Nottingham outshot Sheffield 28-21, with Greenfield making 25 saves, while Roe's goal and assist earned him the Steelers Man of the Match award.
The defeat leaves Fox's side with little time to regroup as they return to the Utilita Arena on Sunday afternoon for another important Challenge Cup encounter against Guildford Flames, with face-off at 4pm.
Nottingham Panthers 3 Sheffield Steelers 2