Ice Hockey: Steelers fend off fightback by wayward Panthers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sheffield Steelers survived a spirited Nottingham Panthers fightback to win the Challenge Cup final 3-2 at the MEN Arena yesterday.
Steelers seemed to be heading for a flattering win when Mark Dutiaume put them 3-0 ahead with 12 minutes left. But an uncharacteristic mistake by the Steelers' netminder Joel Laing – the man of the match– gave Panthers hope with six minutes left.
Laing, who had repeatedly foiled Panthers, allowed a Briane Thompson shot to go past him while Steelers were on a powerplay. Two minutes later Greg Hadden, who retires at the end of the season, set up a tense finish with a second.
The Steelers' coach Mike Blaisdell immediately called a time-out but, despite Panthers pulling their netminder Petter Sandstrom, Blaisdell's side held on to regain the trophy they won for three successive seasons between 1999-2001.
It also preserved Steelers' unbeaten record against their rivals – they have won all six meetings in finals.
Blaisdell felt Panthers were made to pay for poor discipline, and said: "We tried to play tight, defensive hockey and wait for them to make mistakes and stay away from trouble. I told my guys: 'Don't hit someone from behind, don't glove someone in the face, just take it'. I thought we got a couple of powerplay goals that way and that cost them. They got their gloves out and paid the price."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments