Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit you’ve been beaten by a better team. First time I’ve seen the Steelers this season and to be honest after the first period it was clear the Steelers are a step above everyone else this season.
Crawford’s shot from the point gave us the lead after 30 seconds but the next ten minutes was pretty much spent in our period. Steelers get a PP and although it’s good passing from them we once again have two players going for the same man, giving them time and space to pick their spot for the goal. We try to push them back a bit 5-on-5 but before the end of the period they get another PP. And when one of our forwards loses their guy they play the same move again for a deserved 2-1 lead.
Start of the second it looked like we were going to come out with a bit more fire, but a defensive mistake presents Sheffield with the puck out front and they make it 3-1.
I actually thought we then had our best 10 minutes of the game. Lots of O-zone time, lots of chances and Greenfield made two great saves in particular. But we don’t make our good spell count and two defensive lapses in concentration giftwrap two further goals and it’s suddenly 5-1 and game over. Steelers sit back and coast the final period, knowing that Greenfield will more than likely stop anything they let through.
I thought we looked nervous and low on confidence. Passes that were tape to tape earlier the season were either misplaced or too weak/strong. The effort was there, but not the sharpness.
Sheffield on the other hand looked like a team full of confidence, playing at their peak and barely putting a foot wrong. Even if they do have injuries or a dip in form they’ll be so far ahead of everyone it won’t matter.
I looked through their roster during the period break and pretty much every import has AHL experience and most with at least half a season. And it shows. Smooth skating, good puck control and that little bit extra bit of hockey nous which allows them to slow us down and not play our game without ever being at risk of taking a penalty.
Congratulations Sheffield.