Sheffield Steelers fight back from three down to win in Guildford
Robert Dowd’s second-period goal moved him ahead of Ron Shudra at the top of the Steelers’ all-time points standings
Sheffield Steelers produced another dramatic comeback on Sunday night, recovering from 3-0 down to beat Guildford Flames 5-4 after a penalty shootout.
For the second successive weekend, Aaron Fox’s side found themselves three goals behind on the road before fighting their way back to force overtime and eventually take the win.
There was also a major milestone for captain Robert Dowd, whose second-period goal moved him ahead of Ron Shudra at the top of the Steelers’ all-time points standings.
Guildford had taken control of the game in the opening period, with Jake Willets opening the scoring before Jonathan Racine struck twice to put the home side 3-0 ahead.
Sheffield gave themselves hope late in the period when Olivier Archambault fired high past Justin Fazio to reduce the deficit.
The Steelers then came out strongly in the second.
Dowd carried the puck up ice and finished to make it 3-2, a goal which took him beyond Shudra’s long-standing club points record.
Adam Rockwood then levelled the game following a goalmouth scramble, with the officials confirming the score after video review.
Guildford regained the lead in the third through Chase Gresock, but the Steelers again found a response.
A late power play gave Sheffield the opportunity they needed and Mitchell Balmas converted to make it 4-4 and send the game to overtime.
Neither side could find a winner in the extra period, with Matt Greenfield and Fazio both making important saves.
The shootout was equally tight.
Cole Sanford gave Guildford the advantage before Archambault responded for Sheffield.
With the contest eventually moving into sudden death, Balmas stepped up and scored, just as he had done in Manchester the previous weekend.
Greenfield then denied Sanford to secure the victory.
It was another resilient performance from the Steelers, who once again showed their ability to recover from a difficult position away from home.
Adam Rockwood was named Sheffield’s Man of the Match.
Final score: Guildford Flames 4-5 Sheffield Steelers (SO).