The DSM Sheffield Steeldogs were beaten 3-2 in overtime by the Romford Raiders at Sapphire Ice and Leisure on Sunday evening, despite fighting back from a goal down to take the lead during an entertaining second period.
Sheffield looked to have done enough to take the game beyond regulation after goals from Brady Doxey and Michael Pelech turned the contest around. However, Romford responded to level the scores before the end of the second period, and neither side could find a winner during the third.
The game was ultimately decided in overtime, with Jarrett Baker scoring for the Raiders to secure the extra point for the home side.
First Period
The Steeldogs started the game looking to establish themselves on the road, but it was Romford who struck first at 2:55.
Barret Kirwin opened the scoring for the Raiders, finishing a move assisted by Brandon Ayliffe and Leo Bacallao to give the home side an early 1-0 advantage.
Sheffield were forced to work their way back into the contest and looked to find a response as the opening period progressed. The Steeldogs had opportunities to get themselves on the scoresheet, but Romford maintained their lead through the remainder of the first period.
The visitors went into the first intermission trailing by a single goal, with plenty still to play for in the remaining 40 minutes.
Second Period
The Steeldogs came out with a response after the break and were rewarded at 22:22 when Brady Doxey found the net to bring Sheffield level.
Jordan O’Brien provided the assist as Doxey’s goal made it 1-1, giving the visitors the momentum they needed to put Romford under pressure.
Sheffield struck again just 46 seconds later. At 23:08, Michael Pelech put the Steeldogs ahead, with Dante Salituro credited with the assist. Having entered the period a goal behind, Sheffield had now scored twice in quick succession to take a 2-1 lead.
However, the Raiders responded at 25:23. Brandon Ayliffe scored to bring the home side back level at 2-2, with Jake Sylvester and Louis White providing the assists.
The three goals in a little over three minutes made for a lively spell in the contest, with the lead changing hands before Romford restored parity.
Both teams continued to battle for control, but neither could find another breakthrough before the second intermission. The sides headed into the final period level at two goals apiece, setting up a decisive third period.
Third Period
With the scores tied at 2-2, the Steeldogs and Raiders had 20 minutes to find a winning goal.
Sheffield looked to regain the advantage they had established earlier in the game, while Romford continued to search for a way through the visitors’ defence.
There were opportunities at both ends, but neither side managed to make the breakthrough during regulation time. The Steeldogs stood firm as the Raiders pressed for a winner, while Sheffield were unable to find the goal that would have secured the victory.
After a closely fought third period, the teams remained level at 2-2, meaning overtime was required to decide the outcome.
Overtime
The contest was settled at 60:49 when Jarrett Baker scored for Romford, assisted by Barret Kirwin and Leo Bacallao.
The overtime winner brought a frustrating end to the Steeldogs’ evening, with Sheffield left to reflect on a game in which they had fought back from behind and taken the lead, only to see the Raiders recover and eventually secure the victory.
Despite the disappointment of the result, the Steeldogs showed their ability to respond under pressure, scoring twice in quick succession during the second period to put themselves in a strong position.
The final score at Sapphire Ice and Leisure was Romford Raiders 3-2 DSM Sheffield Steeldogs (after overtime).