Sheffield Steeldogs delivered a strong all-round performance to secure a 6-4 victory over Leeds Knights, with a dominant middle frame proving decisive despite a frantic finish to the contest.
The visitors opened the scoring late in the first period when Balint Pakozdi netted at 19:10 to give Leeds a narrow lead heading into the first intermission. Sheffield responded immediately after the restart, levelling the game just 1:48 into the second period through Michael Danečko, who fired home to spark the Steeldogs into life.
That goal opened the floodgates for Sheffield, who went on to take control of the game. Walker Sommer put the Steeldogs ahead at 25:21 before Bair Gendunov struck at 31:26, a goal that prompted a Leeds timeout as Sheffield extended their advantage to 3-1.
Leeds pulled a goal back early in the third period when Innes Gallacher converted at 40:22, but Sheffield responded well to regain momentum. Liam Steele restored the two-goal cushion at 48:13, finishing off a slick passing move with Gendunov again involved on the scoresheet.
The Knights refused to go quietly and closed the gap through Liam Peyton at 49:54, but Sheffield struck again on the power play. Gendunov grabbed his second of the night at 50:55, assisted by Jonathan Phillips and Nathan Ripley, to make it 5-3.
Leeds opted to pull their netminder late on and were punished when Jonathan Kirk found the empty net at 59:41, assisted by Gendunov. The Knights added a consolation goal in the dying seconds through Gallacher, but it was too late to change the outcome.
The win capped a strong offensive showing from the Steeldogs, with Gendunov leading the way with two goals and two assists, as Sheffield claimed local bragging rights in an entertaining encounter.
Final score; Leeds Knights 4-6 Sheffield Steeldogs
Walker Sommer was awarded Man of the Match after getting himself a 3-point night with 1 goal and 2 assists!
We are at home tomorrow night (SUNDAY) as we welcome the Solway Sharks for yet another exciting encounter! Get your TICKETS HERE.
