The Sheffield Steeldogs were beaten 7–3 by Milton Keynes Lightning at Planet Ice Milton Keynes on Saturday night, despite scoring early and finding the net in all three periods.
Jonathan Phillips scored twice for the Steeldogs, while Dante Salituro also got on the scoresheet. However, four goals for the hosts in the third period proved decisive as Lightning pulled away to secure the win.
FIRST PERIOD
The Steeldogs made the ideal start, taking the lead just 33 seconds into the contest. Jonathan Phillips found the net, with Jordan Sommer and Dante Salituro providing the assists to put Sheffield in front.
The advantage was short-lived, though, as Milton Keynes responded at 1:09 through Liam Stewart to bring the game level.
Lightning then moved ahead at 8:58 when Jared Whale scored their second goal of the evening. Having fallen behind early, the hosts had turned the game around, leaving Sheffield needing a response.
Despite the early setback, the Steeldogs remained within a goal of their opponents at the first intermission, with the score standing at 2–1 to Milton Keynes.
SECOND PERIOD
Sheffield came out looking to get back on level terms and found their second goal just 37 seconds into the period. Dante Salituro scored at 20:37 to bring the Steeldogs level at 2–2, giving the visitors renewed hope of turning the contest in their favour.
However, Lightning regained the lead at 22:20 through Sean Norris, who restored the home side’s advantage.
The Steeldogs continued to look for another equaliser, but neither side added to the score during the remainder of the period. Milton Keynes therefore took a narrow 3–2 lead into the final 20 minutes, leaving Sheffield with work to do.
THIRD PERIOD
The final period began with Milton Keynes extending their lead. Norris scored his second of the night at 40:13, before Mack Stewart added another at 41:45 on the powerplay to put the hosts 5–2 ahead.
The Steeldogs needed a response, but Lightning continued to find ways through the Sheffield defence. Cameron Hamill scored at 50:12 to increase the advantage to four goals.
Phillips then struck again for Sheffield at 52:24, registering his second of the evening and bringing the score to 6–3. The goal gave the Steeldogs another positive moment in the closing stages, but the gap remained substantial.
Norris completed his hat-trick at 57:42, sealing a 7–3 victory for Milton Keynes and bringing an end to the scoring.
NEXT UP
The Steeldogs will look to put the result behind them quickly, with another fixture coming up on Sunday afternoon.
Sheffield return to home ice at iceSheffield on Sunday, 11 October, to face the Leeds Knights, with face-off at 4pm. The Steeldogs will be aiming to respond in front of their home supporters and get back to winning ways.
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Photo Credit : Tony Sargent