Liam the OT Hero
Liam Steele was the overtime hero for the DSM Sheffield Steeldogs as they claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Telford Tigers at iceSheffield on Friday night.
The Steeldogs looked set to win the game in regulation after Dante Salituro had given them a 2-1 third-period lead, only for Telford to equalise on the power play with just two seconds remaining.
But Sheffield responded in perfect fashion, Steele scoring just 1:23 into overtime to secure the extra point for Slava Koulikov’s side.
Pelech Gives Steeldogs the Lead
Sheffield started brightly and were handed an early opportunity when Telford’s Tate Shudra was called for holding at 2:04.
The Steeldogs were unable to convert that opening power play, but were given another chance when Taylor Stanton headed to the penalty box for hooking.
This time Sheffield made it count.
Just 15 seconds into the man advantage, Michael Pelech fired the Steeldogs in front at 6:24, with Jonathan Philips and Walker Sommer providing the assists.
Telford responded quickly.
At 8:18, Max Dukovac found the net from Finley Howells and Jérémy Michaud to bring the Tigers level at 1-1.
Both sides then had further opportunities with the extra skater during a penalty-filled opening period, but neither could find another breakthrough before the first intermission.
Nothing Between the Sides in the Second
The second period proved very different, with both goaltenders keeping the game locked at 1-1.
Sheffield were forced onto the penalty kill when Jordan O’Brien was called for hooking at 30:18, but the Steeldogs survived the danger and neither side could find a way through during the middle 20 minutes.
That left everything to play for heading into the third.
Salituro Puts Sheffield Back Ahead
The Steeldogs regained the advantage at 51:36.
Dante Salituro found the net, assisted by Bailey Yates, to put Sheffield 2-1 ahead and seemingly on course for the victory.
Telford continued to push and eventually withdrew goaltender Brad Day for the extra attacker.
Then came a dramatic final minute.
Jonathan Philips was called for slashing at 59:32, giving the Tigers a late power-play opportunity.
With just two seconds remaining, Dukovac struck for his second goal of the night, converting from Ronny Paragallo to make it 2-2 and send the game into overtime.
Steele Wins It in Overtime
The disappointment of conceding so late could easily have affected Sheffield.
Instead, the response was immediate.
At 61:23, Liam Steele scored the overtime winner from Salituro to end the contest and secure a 3-2 Steeldogs victory.
It was a dramatic conclusion to a tightly contested game and another important home result for the Steeldogs.
Sheffield now have little time to rest, with Bristol Pitbulls visiting iceSheffield on Sunday afternoon for the second half of the weekend home double-header.
Final Score: DSM Sheffield Steeldogs 3-2 Telford Tigers (OT).