Flames win but Steelers progress to semi-final

Welcome to our match report from Sunday's game at Guildford.

After produced an explosive final 10 minutes in the first leg of the play-off quarter final; Steelers headed into the second one with a 5-2 advantage. The team news was the same as it was the night before which meant that Matt Marquardt and Tim Wallace were absentees. For Guildford, they made two changes from the first leg. Chris Carrozzi replaced Brian Stewart in between the pipes, whilst Brett Ferguson was suspended for his check from behind on Steelers' Eric Neiley. Ian Watters was out injured and Richard Krogh was away on GB Under-18 duty alongside Steelers' very own Liam Kirk and Kieran Brown.

Steelers made a stellar star in the Spectrum with two goals in the first 3:22 of the contest to virtually put the contest beyond doubt. At 1:51 John Armstrong scored his third of the play-offs when Colton Fretter and Scott Aarssen combined to set up the big centreman. Then the lead went to 2-0 on 3:22; Robert Dowd and Joonas Ronnberg with the assists and Mark Matheson scored his second goal of the play-offs. It was an even contest, so it was no surprise that Guildford got a marker of their own. With Zack Fitzgerald, again playing winger, sitting an additional minor for interference - Flames well executed powerplay came off to make it 1-2 on the night: Jesse Craige lighting the lamp.

The score was still 1-2 in the Steelers favour as we began the second period, and we then had a quick rush of goals in that middle section. At 21:08 Guildford made it level on the evening when Rhett Rachinski scored but just 35 seconds later, Steelers were back in front when veteran winger Fretter netted from Eric Neiley and Matheson. The on-night lead was extended back to two at 33:44 when Neiley scored with Ronnberg and Fretter getting the helpers. Realising they had nothing to lose, Guildford looked to push and finish the season on a high with a home win and they entered the final period on an extended powerplay given against Fitzgerald for a high sticking double minor.

This extended powerplay proved very fruitful as it helped them back onto parity on the night with Ben Davies and Kruise Reddick scoring. By the time Reddick there was still 17 minutes left in the game, could the Flames do the unthinkable and pull it back further which might leaving the play-off trophy holders on the brink? As much as they did try, it proved to be a mountain they just couldn't scale and that margin in the final stages of the first leg proved to be ultimately pivotal for the Steelers. However, the Flames finished a hugely successful opening season in the EIHL on a winning note. With Carrozzi sacrificed for an extra skater, Flames pushed and Davies scored his second of the night for a 5-4 scoreline. Despite Ronnberg leaving blooded, Steelers saw the remaining 38 seconds out and a place in the final four where they will face old foes Nottingham in the second semi-final.

Time for the statistics:

Goals: Flames 5 Steelers 4 (7-9 on aggregate)

Steelers Scoring: Fretter 1+2, Matheson 1+1, Neiley 1+1, Ronnberg 0+2, Armstrong 1+0, Aarssen 0+1, Dowd 0+1.

Flames Scoring: Ackered 0+3, Davies 2+0, Reddick 1+1, Lidhammar 0+2, Walker 0+2, Craige 1+0, Reddick 1+0, Campbell 0+1, Dunbar 0+1.

Shots On Goal:  Steelers 27 Flames 43 

Powerplay: Steelers 0 from 2 (0% conversion), Flames 3 from 8 (38% conversion)

Penalty Minutes called: Steelers 20 Flames 8

Steelers Goaltender Stats: Mustukovs 38 Saves (68), GAA: 5.00 (3.50), Save Percentage: 88.40% (90.70%). 

Big John douses the Flames

Welcome to our match report from the latest Sheffield Steelers game.

Steelers started their defence of the play-off title with the opening leg of their quarter-final against Guildford Flames who finished sixth in the regular season rankings. The team news saw Paul Thompson having to sit two imports as the roster holds 16 compared to the maximum 14 which they are allowed to ice in a game. The ones to miss were high scoring winger Matt Marquardt and the enigmatic Tim Wallace. This meant that both Mathieu Roy and Andreas Jämtin both were back in the line-up whilst Ervins Mustukovs returned in goal. Liam Kirk was absent on GB Under-18 duty in Estonia. Flames, whilst not having the depth on the bench which Steelers had, started with Brian Stewart in goal and included former Steeler Geoff Walker in their line-up as well as Davey Phillips' brother Kevin.

The opening period was a bit scrappy it has to be said, Steelers finding Stewart a barrier like he has been before during his time at Coventry. That and sending some shots straight into the chest of the tall Canadian. You just knew that Guildford might edge something and from one of their opportunities they got the opening goal. With the arm up for a penalty, Brett Ferguson found high scoring defenceman Jesse Craige and his shot was excellently touched home from in front by Charles Wells. The penalty was an interference minor against Davey Phillips. 

That period ended 1-0, and so did the second despite both teams having plenty of opportunities. Both Mustukovs and Stewart performing well when called upon and keeping this game close and very evenly poised as we entered that final twenty. Could the breakthrough happen? Yes it could with 2:45 played in that period, Scott Aarssen with the helper and John Armstrong skating into fire the puck top beans over the resilient Stewart to tie the game. A massive sigh of relief enveloped the majority of the Arena crowd. Yet with just under four minutes later, the Flames were back in front. With Robert Dowd in the box for a kneeing minor, Flames powerplay went to work and some good work ensued for Walker to superb set up Ferguson who finished well.

Then Flames picked two penalties at once and it proved to be the catalyst for the Steelers to kick on. With Craige and John Dunbar both penalised, Steelers had a 5 on 3 opportunity and they looked like squandering it but with eight seconds left on it: they netted an equaliser. A superb blast by Dowd that fizzed past the former Blaze netminder with sheer accuracy from the GB internationalist. Buoyed by that, Steelers had momentum and took the lead with probably one of the goals of the season. Armstrong picked up the puck deep inside his own defensive zone and then proceeded to go through the Flames defence like a knife through hot butter before adding the coup de grace and sending the home support delirious. What a goal!

This knocked the stuffing out of the Flames on the night and with just under five and half minutes left, Steelers scored a fourth: this time Andreas Valdix being in the right spot at close range to net. It got to Ferguson who got an early shower at 57:46, a late check from behind on Eric Neiley earning the Flames winger a 2+10 on the night penalty and as announced today: a two game suspension. Stewart was still making good saves and keeping the Flames within reach but the Steelers head to Surrey tonight (Sunday) with a three goal margin as they netted a fifth goal 24 seconds left, the ever dependable and impressive Mark Matheson took advantage from a screen and lighting the lamp.

Time for the statistics:

Goals: Steelers 5 Flames 2

Steelers Scoring: Armstrong 2+1, Matheson 1+2, Valdix 1+1, Aarssen 0+2, Dowd 1+0, Fretter 0+1, Nelson 0+1.

Flames Scoring: Ferguson 1+1, Wells 1+0, Walker 0+1, Craige 0+1, Lundin 0+1.

Shots On Goal:  Steelers 32 Flames 30 

Powerplay: Steelers 2 from 6 (33% conversion), Flames 1 from 3 (33% conversion)

Penalty Minutes called: Steelers 6 Flames 22

Steelers Goaltender Stats: Mustukovs 28 Saves (28), GAA: 2.00 (2.00), Save Percentage: 93.30% (93.30%). 

Big Match Preview: Play-Off Quarter Final v Guildford

Welcome to our preview of the next Sheffield Steelers games.

The regular season is done with, it's now time for Play-Off hockey as the Steelers start their defence of the Play-Off title which they won in such dramatic circumstances in Nottingham last April.

Their quarter-final opponent this season is the following team:

After finishing third in the regular season, Steelers face sixth placed Guildford in the quarter-final and it's a potentially difficult task as the Flames have more than enough about them to send the Steelers packing at the first knockout stage. They have the enigma that is Brian Stewart in between the pipes, who was part of the Coventry Blaze side that defeated the Steelers in the 2014-15 Final. Also in the Flames roster is Geoff Walker, a double scorer for the Steelers in that afore-mentioned dramatic Final last season.

Steelers have no major injury worries and welcome back both Mathieu Roy and Andreas Jämtin who are both available for selection which would give Head Coach Paul Thompson which imports to rest as he can only ice a maximum of 14 per game. Steelers have 16 on their books, hence a lot of people are already deliberating who will be the unfortunate ones. It's the biggest decision making exercise for Thompson and he has to get this spot on if the Steelers want to make the final four for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

The first leg is in Sheffield, and the return in Surrey on the Sunday. Steelers will need to build a decent advantage to give them the best possible chance.

My prediction? Steelers to make the final four by a three goal swing on aggregate. What about you?

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From The Editor's Chair - Edition 31

In the second edition of what is usually my weekly column, I am going to talk about the forthcoming play off quarter finals. This means I won't be doing a match preview for our games against those down the M1 motorway, and also no predictions for out and out results from the FSB crystal ball which needs upgrading ahead of next season.

Let's chat play-off hockey then.

Quarter Final 1: Cardiff Devils (Seed 1) v Manchester Storm (8)

Make no bones about it Cardiff should win this one and should win this one convincingly. With the collective firepower they have, can anyone really stop them from making the final four? However, Manchester have won this season in IAW but can they repeat this? As much as I would like to see it happen, I just can't see the big red snowball being stopped. If Manchester come away from the first leg just a goal down, then they have a chance. Anything more comprehensive in terms of the scoreline, the mountain facing Pach and his men becomes more and more insurmountable. 

Key Players: Andrew Hotham (Cardiff), Mike Clemente (Manchester)

Prediction: Cardiff

Quarter Final 2: Braehead Clan (2) v Dundee Stars (7)

An intriguing West vs East Coast of Scotland battle. What it does mean in simple terms; is that we know we will have a Scottish representative at POFW no matter what and nobody can disagree with that. Whilst Clan won their conference by ten clear points, and ironically Dundee were second, they have been a wee bit up and down this season. Dundee improved markedly as the season wore on, winning games a plenty and fully deserving of their final eight spot. Clan have three of the top four point scorers in the league on their roster and if they are on it then Joe Fallon could be in for a hard weekend. But a Dundee win isn't beyond them as they have the dangers that are Vinny Scarsella; who has pace to burn; and Felix Antoine-Poulin who scored a remarkable 17 goals from defence.

Key Players: Matt Beca (Braehead), Vinny Scarsella (Dundee)

Prediction: Braehead

Quarter Final 3: Belfast Giants (3) v Fife Flyers (6)

To some, and me counted to a lesser extent, this has potential shock written in the background. Giants are good, but Fife are unpredictably good when on their game and in Shane Owen: one streaky netminder when on form who becomes hard to beat. Giants know full well they need to get a good result at home before making the arduous trip over to "The Auld Barn" in Kirkcaldy where they have come unstuck already in one encounter. I don't think Derrick Walser needs reminding of that third period collapse does he? Both have firepower, Giants have it in depth though. That could be the difference.

Key Players: Blair Riley (Belfast), Shane Owen (Fife)

Prediction: Belfast

Quarter Final 4: Sheffield Steelers (4) v Nottingham Panthers (5)

Second of two I realistically think could go either way. Whilst Steelers have the depth, you can never ever discount the Panthers in the play-offs as they always seem to come alive in them especially after having a season to forget in the league. Steelers know they need to exit the NIC on a Saturday night with nothing less than a one goal loss, more than that and it becomes hard work. For me, Panthers weak spot is their defence as it is easily exposed and then they have to rely on Wiikman to bail them out. If Steelers produce two solid games, they will be the ones who will celebrate. One of the big guns is gonna suffer pain Sunday night in S9. 

Key Players: Mathieu Roy (Sheffield), Stephen Schultz (Nottingham)

Prediction: Sheffield

So that's my insight in the play-off quarter finals. Will we see the four I've predicted in Nottingham on 8 April? Who knows, but whoever you support: strap yourselves in mega tight as the ride of emotions gets seriously pushed to the max. Enjoy your hockey...

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From The Editor's Chair - Edition 28

With the regular season only having three weeks left at the time of writing, teams are battling for positions in the end of season play-offs which culminate in the big party bonanza in the Lace City over the second weekend in April.

Who will make the final eight, and who will be on the golf course early. In this week's edition we look at the current match-ups as they stand and offer an analysis on them. Obviously anything can change, and probably will change as this is the unpredictable beast that is hockey. Read on then...

Match 1: Cardiff Devils (1st) v Dundee Stars (8th)

As it stands, we all know that Cardiff are the champions-elect. The singer is clearing her throat and preparing to crown the Welsh as this season's Monteith Bowl holders. They would be expected to overcome their potential opponents and make the final four; despite the Stars having had a very good run of form in recent weeks. However, could the Tayside team spring a huge surprise and dump Andrew Lord's team out. Would be amazing but something that is unlikely to happen.

Match 2: Belfast Giants (2nd) v Coventry Blaze (7th)

Of the four games this is one of the two which I feel could spring a shock. Whilst Giants are good on home ice, Blaze have an uncanny knack to turn it on when some people things the proverbial chips are down and there is no hope of them winning. We know that ourselves many a time when they have done a job on us and sent us tumbling whether it be at the quarter final stage or the actual Final itself. Derrick Walser will need to heed this, otherwise Blaze could upset the teal apple cart.

Match 3: Braehead Clan (3rd) v Fife Flyers (6th)

This is the other match up which I believe could cause a shock. Most people outside Braehead would think that Ryan Finnerty's Clan should take this and book their place in the final four. However, don't believe for nothing that this is a foregone conclusion as it is not. Fife have probably the stand-out EIHL rookie goaltender this season in Shane Owen who is probably destined for bigger and better things next season, plus two former Clan players in Brendan Brooks and Ric Jackman. Banana skin alert...

Match 4: Sheffield Steelers (4th) v Nottingham Panthers (5th)

Probably the quarter final that the EIHL didn't want to happen as it involves probably the two sides which have the largest support at POFW every season. One of them is bound to experience disappointment and it could go either way. Both teams are unpredictable to say the least so whoever makes the least amount of mistakes is bound to progress. It's probably the game that most will find damn hard to call. If there was ever a case of wanting to sit on the proverbial fence, this would be it.

So that's the analysis so far. We'll talk about them again once the match-ups are determined.

     

Thanks for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then get back in touch:

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Big Match Preview - Coventry (Home, Play Off Second Leg)

Apologies for the lack of a preview for last night's first leg first of all. Tonight, Easter Sunday evening, sees the Steelers play their last game of the 2015-16 on home ice when they face off against the Coventry Blaze in the play-off second leg. A place in the Finals awaits the overall winners.

Will Steelers go through in their quest to complete a double? Or will Blaze, the current play-off champions, send the newly crowned Elite League champions tumbling out at the quarter final stage? It promises to be one hell of a battle.

Last night's encounter in the Sky Dome was an eventful game, that it has to be said. For the first 30 minutes, Blaze were on fire (pardon the pun) as they looked to continue their dominance over Paul Thompson's team. Five times they lit the lamp behind Marek Pinc's goal, and through five different scorers too. Steelers had been rocked good and proper by Chuck Weber's team, and one was spectulating how bad this was going to get. It looked a blow out was on the way, and the second leg was going to be one for the Steelers to just play for pride in front of their own fans.

However Steelers suddenly woke up, and it was Coventry's turn to rock and wobble.

Swedish centre Fredrik Vestberg ruined Brian Stewart's plans of a shutout just shy of the 33 minute mark and that was the kick on that Steelers needed. Skipper Jonathan Phillips carried the momentum on when he bloodied Blaze's Slovakian hardcase Boris Valàbik, which gained the skipper an early bath but it was a sign that Steelers would not hold the white flag up against their opponents. Pinc kept the Blaze at bay at one end of the ice to ensure no further goals would be conceded, whilst the visiting offence started to put the pressure on at the other.

Paul Thompson's men outshot Blaze 23-6 in the final period; which tells its own story. Two more visiting strikes from Robert Dowd and Guillaume Desbiens made the final score 5-3 and set the scene for tonight's second leg. It came at a cost though, as Canadian power forward Desbiens was sent tumbling to the ice by the afore mentioned Valàbik straight after scoring his goal with a brutal act that annoyed the visiting support no end. Having seen the incident myself now on video, it's callous and uncalled for but you can see that Valàbik had this in mind as he approached Desbiens. Quite a penalty was never called for it, is astonishing. You cannot defend the indefensible here.

We wish Gui a speedy recovery but if the prognosis is correct; his season has been ended by a cheap shot which has no place in our wonderful game. For some Blaze fans to allegedly say Desbiens has injured himself is blinkered vision, how would they feel if this the skate had been on the other foot so to speak?

Steelers can progress that I have no doubts though. It's all about defending smart and offensively doing what brought them three goals last night; and also inflicted that 6-3 drubbing in the same building against these same opponents just a fortnight ago. Two goals to draw level is certainly not beyond the team who worked their bag off to win the Monteith Bowl on the final day of the regular season. With Colton Fretter back in the line-up; they can definitely do this.

Prediction Time? Steelers to win the second leg and to overcome the Blaze. It will be a hard battle, but if the offence really clicks again, like we know it can, Brian Stewart and his chums could be in for a hard night in Sheffield 9. I'm not saying a scoreline though. But we will do it...

 

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