Steelers extinguish Blaze

Photo supplied by Rik Rayner

The Sheffield Steelers won the Elite League (EIHL) play-offs to prevent Coventry Blaze from wrapping up a domestic treble on Sunday.

The Steelers had not won a piece of silverware since the British Knockout Cup in 2006, but were in no mood to roll over against the EIHL champions and current KO cup holders.

Jonathan Phillips (24th of the season) fired home in the 14th minute and Dan Tessier (16th) doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when goaltender Trevor Koenig's parry rebounded off the plexiglas into his path.

The pipework denied Curtis Huppe a chance to get Coventry back in the game with nine seconds of the second period remaining and the Steelers were made to work even harder in the final period.

But Steelers goaltender Jody Lehman made a stunning double save to deny Russell Cowley and Danny Stewart late on and preserve his shut-out, which was no more than Sheffield deserved.

Steely defence

The Steelers dominated a penalty-strewn first period and would have led by more than just the one goal, but for Koenig denying Jeff Legue, Joey Talbot and Rod Sarich.

And at the other end Lehman made an excellent save to keep out Jonathan Weaver and he then foiled Dan Carlson.

Phillips made the crucial breakthrough at 13.40 and Dave Matsos' side then crucially killed the early penalties against them in the second period.

Tessier extended the lead with an opportunistic strike on the powerplay at 35.03 and they held on for the victory.

Carlson, Sylvain Cloutier and Martin all found Lehman in imposing form and despite Blaze pulling netminder Koenig out of the net with 90 seconds remaining, there was no further score for either team and the Steelers claimed a fine victory to close out the domestic season on a high.