Home victory for Steelers: Sheffield 4-1 Manchester Storm

Steelers chalked up their seventh win in eight matches as they continue to evolve under Tom Barrasso.
Jonas Westerling celebrates his goalJonas Westerling celebrates his goal
Jonas Westerling celebrates his goal

On a night Sheffield welcomed Eric Neiley back to the team, two power play goals and two late period strikes were enough to see off a plucky and aggressive Manchester Storm, 4-1.

Steelers started by cycling fast, testing the legs of Manchester, who had held champions Cardiff Devils on Saturday before losing in overtime.

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But Ryan Finnerty's men were canny and repeatedly tried to expolit space through the middle of Steelers' ranks.

Matt Climie, making his debut in the home goal, was quick to distribute the puck to launch counter-attacks but there were few clear-cut chances in the opening 10 minutes.

Stefan Della Rovere missed the opportunity of burying a rebound and on the game's first Power Play Luke Moffatt hit the outside of Climie's post.

Davey Phillips and ex Steeler Brendan Brooks both had chances.

Jonas Westerling celebrates his goalJonas Westerling celebrates his goal
Jonas Westerling celebrates his goal
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Then, with Anthony DeLuca drawing a slashing penalty, the puck fell to Ben O'Connor, who sent a wrist shot in, his effort wriggling under goalie Matt Ginn, after a tip from Josh Pitt, for 1-0.

Manchester's discipline broke down; as it was to do later. The main flashpoint came when a Davey Phillips hit on the board, injured Ciaran Long. The impact from the taller man came high, but looked fair to me. Linden Springer disagreed and tore into Phillips, and was given a 10 minute instigation misconduct.

Storm pair Shane Bakker and Rob Linsmayer both took slashing minors and, after a time out for instructions, Jason Westerling tapped in the 5-on3 PP, for 2-0, at 31:11.

Climie showed his composure with a couple of saves to preserve the margin as the skaters kept their calm.

Matt Climie making his debut. Picture by Dean WoolleyMatt Climie making his debut. Picture by Dean Woolley
Matt Climie making his debut. Picture by Dean Woolley
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Storm needed some offensive inspiration and Shane Bakker repeated the tactic of spearing centrally through the orange ranks.

Five on five, Storm looked the part. And with 11 minutes left, it was game on. The home side had three skaters in front of Climie as Storm pressed - and there seemed no danger until Evan Richardson popped the puck home, at 48:59.

Della Rovere, coming off the bench, steadied the ship though by sneaking a wrist shot home at 52;03. And a long-range Mark Matheson effort sealed the win.