Sheffield Defeat Giants and ‘Steel’ the Show at Utilita Arena

FIRST PERIOD

The Sheffield Steelers took an early lead when Mikko Juusola fired a wrist shot from the left circle past Tyler Beskorowany at 1:59, following passes from Robert Dowd and Niklas Nevalainen. (1-0)

The Belfast Giants reacted well to the goal and came close to equalising when Ciaran Long’s effort flew past traffic, but it was deflected wide. Then, Matt Greenfield made two good saves, the first to deny Greg Printz’s effort from the blueline and the second to stop Charlie Curti’s slapshot after he controlled a loose puck.

Sheffield’s Scott Allen then drove towards the net, rounded the cage and put it back for Daniel Ciampini, whose effort was saved by the alert Giants netminder Beskorowany.

On 10:18, Ciaran Long received a two-minute penalty for hooking with Sheffield taking advantage of the indiscipline and doubling their lead when Patrick Watling’s slapshot found the top left-hand corner. (2-0)

Kohei Sato picked up a two-minute penalty for elbowing along with Marc-Olivier Vallerand, who sat for roughing.

Sheffield continued to push for another goal with Tyler Beskorowany having to make a high save on the blocker side to deny Marc-Olivier Vallerand.

However, the goals weren’t done there as the Steelers scored their third on 17:28 when the Giants lost the puck, leading to a two-on-one with Brett Neumann connecting with a beautiful pass from Daniel Ciampini and slotting home. (3-0)

SECOND PERIOD

Josh Nicholls tried to slot through the legs of Beskorowany in the opening five minutes of the second period but failed to get a shot away.

The Giants had a huge chance to get back into the tie when Scott Allen received a major penalty, five minutes for boarding on Ben Lake.

Belfast took advantage of the powerplay and got on the scoreboard on 25:59 when a precise pass from Matt McLeod found Greg Printz, who fired past Matt Greenfield. (3-1)

The Giants then had a two-man advantage when Mark Simpson was called for tripping.

Adam Keefe’s men had chances to add to their tally before the end of the power play, but they were constantly kept at bay by the resolute Sheffield defence, who helped their side kill the rest of the penalty.

Mitchell Balmas shot was deflected towards the net by Niklas Nevalainen with Beskorowany producing a great save to tip the goal bound effort over as Aaron Fox’s men looked for another goal.

In the final two minutes of the period, Sheffield netminder Matt Greenfield had to make a superb save to deny Matt McLeod’s effort from a Kohei Sato pass to keep the score 3-1 at the second interval.

THIRD PERIOD

In the opening minute of the final period, Scott Allen’s effort was saved by the busy Beskorowany.

However, Scott Allen did get on the scoresheet when Brett Neumann fed the puck to the unmarked forward, whose strong effort beat Beskorowany to extend the home side’s lead. (4-1)

Sheffield were on the penalty kill again shortly after when Sam Jones sat for two minutes for interference.

During that time, Matt Greenfield had to make a good save at the top crease to stop Ara Nazarian’s effort before Tyler Beskorowany had to make a crucial stop after Brandon Whistle found himself through on goal.

The Steelers made it 2-for-2 on the powerplay when Daniel Ciampini slipped home the rebound of new signings Dominic Cormier’s effort just sixteen seconds after Kohei Sato had received a two-minute penalty for slashing. (5-1)

NEXT UP

The Stena Line Belfast Giants travel to Planet Ice Altrincham to take on the Manchester Storm tomorrow evening before returning to home ice against the Glasgow Clan next Saturday (25 November). Tickets are on sale here.