Sheffield Steelers 5-4 Dundee Stars (final score)

They took just 38 seconds of their first line’s shift to go ahead against Dundee.

Mathieu Roy scored from Jace Coyle and Markus Nilsson and quickly improved on that with Robert Dowd netting (unassisted) eight minutes later.

So far so good.

Dundee had lost 3-4 on penalty shots to Edinburgh Capitals the night before and looked like they’d got bus-legs.

But two Power Plays gave the visitors an unexpected chance to come back.

Kevin Bruijsten, just 28 seconds into the second period dragged one back and Vinny Scarsella banged in another at 23:38.

Steelers’ mental strength was being put to the test - something of an issue of late.

And they were punished again when Scarsella bagged another at 6:17.

But Dowd’s second point of the night set up linemate Levi Nelson for a 3-3 equaliser at 29:22.

The momentum was now with Sheffield.

And the iceSheffield crowd were delighted when Roy profited from a Ben O’Connor move to give Sheffield a 4-3 lead at 32:25.

But Steelers coach Paul Thompson was horrified when his side conceded a short handed reply.

Joey de Concilys made it 4-4 at 33:36 - Stars at good at defensive special teams, it was their seventh short handed goal of the season

Nelson finished off a power play move involving Andreas Valdix and Mike Ratchuk for number five at 52:27.

It ensured Steelers won at home after three successive defeats.

But it was a night when their competitors above them also won. (see below)

Meanwhile Sheffield have secured the services of a new right wing.

Geoff Walker will arrive on Monday from Italian Club Fassa.

Coach Paul Thompson said: “To bring a player with his ability and quality to the club so late in the season is a great addition. I wanted a player who would be an impact and I believe very much he will be

“We have been talking for a while. Geoff was very much sought after by teams all over Europe and here in the UK

“We stayed with the process as we were confident Geoff was the right player for us. I wanted some size and a natural goal scorer and he brings both in a plenty.

“Geoff will be in Sheffield on Monday and will skate with the team on Tuesday ahead of playing his first game as a Steeler this Wednesday against Fife.”

RESULTS

Saturday 4th February

Elite League

Braehead Clan 4 Belfast Giants 5

Fife Flyers 4 Edinburgh Capitals 5 (OT)

Manchester Storm 4 Coventry Blaze 5 (OT)

Nottingham Panthers 3 Cardiff Devils 4 (OT)

Sheffield Steelers 5 Dundee Stars 4

FIXTURES

Sunday 5th February

Elite League

Cardiff Devils v Manchester Storm – 6.00pm

Coventry Blaze v Sheffield Steelers – 5.15pm

Edinburgh Capitals v Belfast Giants – 6.00pm

Fife Flyers v Nottingham Panthers – 6.30pm