Ryan Tait haunts former club as six-goal Sheffield Steelers return to winning ways in Guildford
Sheffield Steelers hit Guldford Flames for six at the Spectrum
Ryan Tait came back to haunt his former club with two goals as Sheffield Steelers returned to winning ways with an impressive 6-3 victory over Guildford Flames at the Spectrum on Saturday night.
The former Guildford forward struck twice against his old teammates, including a power-play goal and a late effort that finally ended the home side's hopes of a comeback.
But it was defenceman Brien Diffley who laid the foundations for victory, scoring twice inside the opening thirteen minutes as Aaron Fox's side raced into a commanding three-goal lead.
Acting captain Evan Jasper and young defenceman Liam Steele were also on target, while Mikko Juusola contributed three assists as the Steelers collected two valuable Elite League points.
It was just the response Fox had been looking for following last Saturday's disappointing home defeat against Manchester Storm, with Sheffield producing an excellent opening period.
Diffley broke the deadlock after 7.21, finishing a move involving Olivier Archambault, before doubling his tally just over five minutes later, this time with Juusola providing the assist.
And when Jasper struck at 14.18, following good work from Mitchell Balmas and Brandon Whistle, the Steelers had established a 3-0 lead before the first intermission.
Sheffield's advantage was particularly impressive given that Guildford had enjoyed their own opportunities, but Matt Greenfield was in outstanding form, turning aside all 19 shots he faced in the opening period.
The Flames finally found a way past the Steelers netminder just 39 seconds into the middle session when Cole Sanford reduced the deficit.
However, Sheffield responded with another goal from the blue line, this time Steele finding the net at 25.20 to restore the visitors' three-goal advantage.
Guildford refused to go away, and Joshua Waller made it 4-2 midway through the period to give the home supporters renewed hope.
But with the Flames' Karl Boudrias serving an interference penalty, Tait made his former employers pay, converting on the power play at 37.52 to send Sheffield into the second intermission leading 5-2.
There was still life in the home side, however, and Boudrias made amends for his earlier penalty by scoring Guildford's third goal just over five minutes into the final period.
At 5-3, the Flames continued to press, but Greenfield and the Steelers defence held firm as the hosts searched for a route back into the contest.
And fittingly, it was Tait who had the final word.
With just 76 seconds remaining, the former Flames favourite struck his second of the evening, assisted by Juusola, to complete the scoring and secure a convincing road victory.
For Fox, there will be plenty of positives to take from a performance that saw his side score six times, with four different players finding the net.
Greenfield finished with 29 saves from 32 shots, while the Steelers tested Guildford netminder Brad Arvanitis on 36 occasions.