Thomson Brace too Much for the Steeldogs
The Sheffield Steeldogs were left frustrated at iceSheffield on Sunday as Milton Keynes Lightning struck three unanswered goals to claim a 3-0 victory.
It was a much tighter contest than the final score suggested, with the sides deadlocked after the opening period and just a single goal separating them heading into the final eight minutes.
Shane Owen produced another strong performance in the Steeldogs net, but a second-period strike from Sean Norris and two quick David Thomson goals in the third eventually secured the points for the visitors.
First Period – Nothing Between the Sides
The Steeldogs started positively in front of 706 supporters at iceSheffield, with both teams looking to establish themselves early.
Neither side was able to find a breakthrough during a competitive opening 20 minutes.
Things heated up at 15:38 when CJ Garcia and Carter Hamill came together, with both receiving fighting majors as tempers briefly boiled over.
Dante Salituro was later called for tripping, but Sheffield saw out the remainder of the period and the teams headed to the dressing rooms with the game still scoreless.
Steeldogs 0-0 Lightning
Second Period – Lightning Break the Deadlock
Sheffield were handed an early opportunity when Ed Knaggs was called for tripping, but the Steeldogs were unable to turn the power play into the opening goal.
Instead, it was Milton Keynes who broke the deadlock at 29:31.
Sean Norris found a way past Owen, assisted by Archie Hazeldine and Milique Martelly, to give Lightning a 1-0 advantage.
Sheffield continued to battle and were given another power-play opportunity when Harry Gulliver was penalised for hooking, but Jared Whale and the Milton Keynes defence kept the Steeldogs off the scoreboard.
David Phillips was called for boarding late in the period, but Sheffield’s penalty kill ensured the deficit remained at just one heading into the final 20 minutes.
Steeldogs 0-1 Lightning
Third Period – Two Quick Goals Decide It
With only one goal separating the teams, the Steeldogs remained very much in the game as the third period developed.
Sheffield were handed another chance with the extra skater when Mack Stewart was called for tripping at 49:29, but once again Lightning survived.
That proved important.
At 52:07, David Thomson doubled the visitors’ advantage, converting from Kell Beattie to make it 2-0.
Just 69 seconds later, Thomson struck again.
This time Danny Weight and Archie Hazeldine provided the assists as Milton Keynes suddenly opened up a three-goal cushion.
The Steeldogs continued to push and Owen was eventually withdrawn for the extra attacker with two-and-a-half minutes remaining.
Sheffield also used their timeout at 58:28 in one final attempt to find a route back into the contest, but Whale and the Lightning defence held firm to complete the shutout.
A Tough Result After a Close Contest
The Steeldogs were outshot 40-24, but remained within one goal until the closing stages before Thomson’s quick double put the game beyond reach.
After battling hard throughout, Sheffield were left without reward as Milton Keynes headed home with the two points.
Final Score
Sheffield Steeldogs 0-3 Milton Keynes Lightning
Lightning scorers:
Sean Norris – 29:31
David Thomson – 52:07
David Thomson – 53:16
Attendance: 706
The Steeldogs will now regroup ahead of their next NIHL National fixture.
