Sheffield Steelers comeback against Nottingham Panthers 'probably the win of the year, so far'
Sheffield Steelers came from behind to beat Nottingham Panthers at the Utilita Arena
Adam Rockwood believes Sheffield Steelers’ 4-2 comeback victory over Nottingham Panthers could prove their most important win of the season so far.
Sheffield trailed 2-0 before scoring four unanswered goals, with Rockwood at the heart of the turnaround as the Steelers’ power play struck twice in the third period.
Brien Diffley had reduced the deficit late in the second before Rockwood levelled with the extra skater.
Ryan Tait then scored on another power play just over two minutes later to put Sheffield ahead, with Sean Collins completing the victory into an empty net.
For Rockwood, the manner of the win was every bit as important as the two league points.
“Probably the win of the year so far,” he said.
“With the way we’ve been playing lately, a win like that feels pretty monumental.
“We’ve been playing well against good teams but haven’t always been able to get over the hump.
“To go into the third period down one and pull it out is a huge bonding experience and a confidence builder.”
Rockwood’s equaliser came from a well-worked power-play move involving Mitchell Balmas and Olivier Archambault.
The forward believes Sheffield’s special teams are beginning to find greater chemistry.
“I’m obviously a pass-first guy, but I like to run things from that side and use my legs to pull the box apart,” he said.
“I try to draw guys towards me and away from my teammates.
“When you have a guy like Archie down low who can make plays like that, it can be pretty dangerous.
“It was our first game together after Foxy threw us together in practice and it looked pretty good.”
Rockwood admitted there was also some personal satisfaction in finally adding a goal to his season.
“That’s my first goal since the first shift of preseason, I think — other than the shootout,” he said.
“I don’t really care as long as I’m generating offence, but there comes a point where you think, ‘All right, let’s get a goal.’
“To get one at that stage of the game, at home, was an awesome experience.”
Rockwood has built his reputation as a creator, but he accepts Sheffield will need goals from him as well as assists.
The bigger concern for him, however, remains how the Steelers are playing rather than simply looking at individual results.
“That’s the funny thing about hockey,” he said.
“Sometimes the results don’t match the way you’re playing.
“I’m more concerned with how we’re playing.
“I think we’re really trending in the right direction. For probably a good month now, we’ve put together a lot of good efforts.”