Nottingham Panthers kept their Elite League title hopes very much alive after beating Coventry Blaze 4-1 on Saturday night.
But Steelers remain five points clear
Nottingham Panthers kept their Elite League title hopes very much alive after beating Coventry Blaze 4-1 on Saturday night.
The teams shared a goal apiece in the first period, the hosts opening the scoring at 6.09 with a powerplay goal from Matt Myers (7th) before the visitors replied with a goal from Jonathan Weaver (11th) at 9.55.
But the second period was a real turning point in the game as, despite being out shot by the Blaze 19-8, two special team goals gave the home side the advantage.
A powerplay goal from Jade Galbraith (12th) at 31.34 restored the Panthers' lead before a shorthanded goal by Dan Tessier (13th) at 38.58 made it 3-1 to the home side.
Although they were once again out shot in the third period, Tessier's second of the game at 41.38 sealed the win.
The result means that the Panthers remain five points behind leaders
Sheffield Steelers, who struggled to see off bottom club
Hull Stingrays 4-3 after overtime.
After a goalless opening session the Steelers upped the pace in the second period and scored three times in 65 seconds.
Brad Cruickshank (15th) at 31.02 was followed by Jeff Legue (14th) at 31.52 and then Jason Hewitt (6th) at 32.07.
However, the Stingrays refused to roll over and hit right back with a double strike of their own.
Pavel Gomenyuk (7th) scored on a 5 on 3 opportunity at 35.53 and then Matt Reynolds (17th) at 36.22 made it 3-2 with a further powerplay strike.
Momentum was now with the Stingrays and they appeared on the verge of causing a real shock when Reynolds (18th) tied the game at 47.23.
The game headed into overtime, during which the Steelers recovered with Legue (15th) scoring the winner at 61.57.
Giants take third
Elsewhere,
Belfast Giants moved above the Blaze and into third spot with a 3-1 win over
Manchester Phoenix.
The home side went in front early in the first minute of the second period when George Awada of the Giants took a minor penalty.
Phoenix failed to make the extra man count and Awada came out of the box to set up Evan Cheverie (16th) at 23.05.
Roles were reversed just under 10 minutes later when Cheverie set up Awada (12th) at 32.11 to net with a shorthanded goal.
The home side sealed the win and the points with a third goal from player/coach Steve Thornton (8th) at 52.22.
Giants goaltender Stevie Lyle lost his chance of a shut out at 58.09 as Tony Hand (11th) netted for Phoenix with a shorthanded goal.
In Saturday's final game,
Basingstoke Bison slipped to the bottom of the table, level on points with the Stingrays - and having played a game more - after losing 4-2 at home to
Cardiff Devils.
Ewan King replaced the injured Kevin Reiter between the Bison pipes and the home side leaked two quick goals, scored at 1.55 by Jason Silverthorn (13th) and 4.27 by Phil Hill (13th).
After a goalless second period, the home side pulled one back at 45.38 with a powerplay goal from Shaun Thompson (9th).
But any chance of a comeback ended when the Devils struck twice inside a minute: Jay Latulippe (16th) at 49.30 being followed by Jason Silverthorn (14th) at 50.19.
The Bison got a late consolation goal from Danny Stewart (23rd) at 59.07.
