Penalty shot agony for Sheffield Steelers at Cardiff Devils
Sheffield, who rattled the pipework on numerous times and had a goal ruled out, can count themselves unfortunate to see the Welsh extend their lead above them to 12 points.
Steelers set off with a notable sense of purpose doubling the number of shots of their hosts in the first period (14-7.) Jesse Schultz, without a goal in his previous six outings struck a post.
But a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty proved costly.
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Hide AdJoey Haddad - not the most popular Devil amongst Steeler fans after inflicting a facial injury on Levi Nelson in a previous game - scored on the Power Play at 22;09. Schultz had another chance on a breakaway but directed the puck wide of Ben Bown’s net.
At the mid-way point winger Colton Fretter buried the puck to make it 1-1. Sheffield hit the pipework again, through Davey Phillips and Nelson was thwarted by Bowns’ pad save.
Thhe champions conceded again when Patrick Asselin beat Mustukovs, top shelf, at 44;23.
Mathieu Roy equalised at 47;24, to set up a grand finale. Ben O’Connor hit the post in three-on-three overtime.
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Hide AdPenalty shots decided the fascinating game, Asselin being the only skater to outwit the goalie.
* Steelers lost 2-1 at Belfast on Saturday, thanks to goals from ex Sheffield players Colin Shield and Mike Forney.
John Armstrong scored a consolation.
RESULTS
Sunday 11th December
Elite League
Cardiff Devils 3 Sheffield Steelers 2 (PS)
Dundee Stars 3 Braehead Clan 4
Edinburgh Capitals 6 Fife Flyers 3
Manchester Storm 1 Belfast Giants 2
Nottingham Panthers 6 Coventry Blaze 5 (PS)
FIXTURES
Wednesday 14th December
Elite League
Sheffield Steelers v Dundee Stars - 7.30pm
(At Ice Sheffield)
Challenge Cup 1/4 Final 1st leg
Manchester Storm v Belfast Giants - 7.00pm
Challenge Cup 1/4 Final 2nd leg
Nottingham Panthers v Braehead Clan - 7.30pm
(1st leg result 3-3)
Saturday 17th December
Elite League
Belfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers - 7.00pm
Braehead Clan v Coventry Blaze - 7.00pm
Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers - 7.00pm
Edinburgh Capitals v Dundee Stars - 6.00pm
Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers - 7.00pm
Sunday 18th December
Elite League
Coventry Blaze v Belfast Giants 5.15pm
Dundee Stars v Edinburgh Capitals - 6.30pm
Fife Flyers v Braehead Clan - 6.30pm
Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils - 4.00pm