After what has been a disappointing weekend results-wise, it's time to reflect. Remember of course that these are my own views and not that of Sheffield Steelers IHC. Disclaimer right there for you.
Well before the weekend began, we had all important first leg in the much maligned Challenge Cup semi-final against the Bears from Lace City. The Bear was back, courtesy of some kind people publishing it on social media. Could we rise to the occasion and take a step towards the Final in Ice Arena Wales on 5 March? That reminds me, how many of you have pre-booked your tickets yet? I know I haven't because I know I ain't going as I'm back in Belfast for a fundraising night at the rugby club 24 hours prior.
The home side were still short bodies but welcomed Geoff Waugh back to the blueline after a lengthy injury absence. Talking about him, how can his surname sound similar to our very own Mathieu's? To me it's pronounced as War, just like the former Australian cricketer and captain Steve. Steelers were at full strength as it can be, with both Cole and Liam dressed as well as everyone. But it didn't start too good did it? Brian McGrattan, yeah that guy who was an enforcer in "The Show" scoring after just 90 seconds with a breakaway (yes you read that right) and a finish that even Alex Ovenchicken (Ovechkin to those with no humour) or Patrick Kane would be proud of.
Yet we got to grow in the game and in the second period, really started to exert our influence on the game. A shot count of 15 to 6 tells that story, and by this time Jason Williams (he who scored the game winners over Christmas) had departed through to injury. Yaldi Valdi levelled and then it seemed to be a case of Miika Wiikman against the Steelers. It took a tense third period and with about six and a bit minutes left for the tie to broken and with another highlight reel Colton Fretter goal. Steelers held firm after that and now go into the Valentine's Day second leg with a slender lead. It's one they know full well, and I second that thought, could evaporate if they aren't focused.
This weekend we faced second Belfast in a massive high stakes double header and by the time I am penning this, you will know that we have come out of it pointless. Not even a single overtime or penalty shot loss point to our name, all four have gone over the water and in regulation too which is a massive dagger in the Steelers heart. It's a couple of defeats we didn't need especially with the season drawing to an end. We're now seven points behind the Giants and eight behind Cardiff after the latter's 2-1 win in Fife tonight. That to me, is too much pull back.
We have to face facts and know we are not going to create history by capturing a third successive title. If you believe we can, then you must be the eternal optimist. Even I know, the title is going to either Belfast or Cardiff and if I had to pick one out of the two: I'll have to choose Derrick Walser's men over Andrew Lord's. Belfast really impressed me in the two games, and whilst Cardiff have the depth - Belfast rely upon a team ethic as opposed to a lot of individuals like Devils I believe are. We're too inconsistent to say the least.
So that's my thoughts for another week, see you next.
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