The Sheffield Steeldogs made the trip to Peterborough for Game Two of the National League Playoffs and produced an impressive performance to secure a strong road victory.
The Steeldogs made a fast start, opening the scoring at 1:56 through Nathan Ripley. Peterborough responded quickly, with Cameron Hough levelling the game at 1-1 before adding his second just before the first intermission to give the Phantoms a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The second period belonged to the Steeldogs, who took full advantage of Peterborough’s indiscipline. Janne Laakkonen was penalised for hooking at 21:03, and Liam Steele capitalised on the power play to tie the game at 2-2. Moments later, Barnabas Sari was called for slashing, giving Sheffield another opportunity with the man advantage. Bair Gendunov made no mistake, firing home to give the Steeldogs a 3-2 lead. Tensions continued to rise as Hayden Lavigne was penalised for roughing after an altercation with Joonas Larinmaa, handing Sheffield a third power play in quick succession. At 28:04, Jonathan Philips extended the lead to 4-2 with another power play goal, prompting a Peterborough timeout.
A melee in front of the Phantoms’ net followed, resulting in multiple penalties, including a double minor for Larinmaa and a roughing call for Joe Gretton. Peterborough took advantage on the power play at 33:00, with Hough completing his hat trick to make it 4-3. The Steeldogs responded once again, as Bailey Yates netted his first goal for the club with a superb finish to restore the two goal advantage. Sheffield led 5-3 heading into the second intermission.
In the third period, Zaine McKenzie was penalised for boarding, and Liam Steele struck again on the power play at 44:24 to make it 6-3. The physical nature of the game continued, with both sides spending time in the penalty box. Peterborough pulled one back at 56:00 through Laakkonen on the power play, but it proved to be only a consolation. Ivan Björkly-Nordström sealed the result at 58:19, finishing the game off to secure a 7-4 victory for the Steeldogs.
A dominant special teams performance and clinical finishing saw Sheffield take control of the playoff tie with an impressive road win. Brady Parker was given the Man of the Match honours after an outstanding performance between the pipes!
Thank you for your support in Peterborough tonight! Join us on Friday when we host the league champions Swindon Wildcats in a blockbuster playoff clash!
Game 3 – Friday 3rd April vs Swindon Wildcats | 7:30pm [H]
- Match Night Tickets –> Steeldogs Vs Wildcats
- Match Night Livestream –> Watch live on Steeldogs TV
Game 4 – Saturday 4th April vs Swindon Wildcats | 6:30pm [A]