The Belfast Giants ended the Sheffield Steelers’ eight-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory, sealing the contest with a decisive third-period goal. In a thrilling second-vs-third clash, the Giants edged the Steelers in a game filled with intensity, physicality, and standout performances.
The opening period saw both teams trade goals and set a fast-paced tone for the game. The Steelers struck first at 10:11, with captain Robert Dowd finishing off a brilliant team play set up by Brandon Whistle and Marco Vallerand. Belfast responded late in the period on a powerplay, as Grant Mismash’s one-timer just crossed the line, tying the game at 1-1. The Giants outshot the Steelers 19-6, but the score remained level after 20 minutes.
The Giants took control in a fiery second period, scoring twice in quick succession. Bobo Carpenter capitalised at 27:37, followed by Ciaran Long’s top-corner finish at 29:24 to make it 3-1. The Steelers responded through Patrick Watling at 33:13, cutting the deficit to one. Tempers flared late in the period, with Josh Roach and Marco Vallerand exchanging penalties in a scuffle near the Steelers bench. Despite earning a powerplay from the altercation, Sheffield couldn’t find the equaliser, heading into the third trailing 3-2.
In the final frame, the Giants restored their two-goal cushion at 48:34. Grant Mismash worked the puck from behind Matthew Greenfield’s net, finding Mark Cooper in the slot for a precise one-timer. The Steelers struggled to mount a comeback, with turnovers and penalties disrupting their rhythm. Jackson Whistle stood tall in net for Belfast, turning away 31 of 33 shots.
Despite pulling Greenfield for the extra attacker in the closing minutes, Sheffield couldn’t break through, allowing the Giants to secure the victory.
Robert Dowd earned Man of the Match honours for the Steelers, while Josh Roach was recognised for his efforts for Belfast.
The Steelers will look to bounce back on Saturday at the Utilita Arena when they host the Manchester Storm at 7 PM.
First Period [1-1] – Steelers and Giants Battle to Even First Period in Belfast Showdown
The Sheffield Steelers took their eight-game winning streak across the Irish Sea to face the Belfast Giants in a thrilling second-vs-third clash. The opening period of this high-stakes matchup featured physicality, speed, and high-quality chances, leaving the teams deadlocked at 1-1 after 20 minutes.
The action began with intensity as both teams exchanged early opportunities. Steelers netminder Matthew Greenfield was tested first, turning away a blue-line drive from Jeff Baum. At the other end, Mikko Juusola was thwarted before he could unleash a shot.
The Steelers came close to breaking the deadlock when Dominic Cormier burst into the zone off a Robert Dowd feed, only to be denied by Giants goaltender Jackson Whistle’s quick pad save. Greenfield remained sharp for the Steelers, stopping dangerous efforts from JJ Piccinich and Elijiah Barriga.
Sheffield opened the scoring at 10:11 with a perfectly executed team play. Brandon Whistle initiated the sequence, sliding the puck to Marco Vallerand, whose precise pass found captain Robert Dowd in stride. Dowd made no mistake, burying the puck past Whistle to give the Steelers the lead.
The Giants responded with sustained pressure, particularly during the second half of the period. The Steelers’ defence stood firm, including a successful penalty kill on a hooking call against Dowd, with Greenfield making key saves against Scott Conway and Grant Mismash.
However, Belfast capitalised on their second powerplay opportunity after Patrick Watling was penalised for interference. The Giants worked the puck efficiently, finding Grant Mismash on the right wing for a one-timer that trickled over the line at 18:37, tying the game at 1-1.
The Giants outshot the Steelers 19-6 in the first period, but with the score even, both teams headed into the second poised for a closely contested battle.
Second Period [3-2] – Giants Edge Steelers in Heated Second Period Battle
The BGiants claimed a narrow edge after a fiery second period, taking a 3-2 lead into the final frame in a game that showcased relentless intensity and rising tempers. The Steelers, despite early chances and a physical response, were left chasing the contest heading into the third.
Sheffield had an opportunity to seize momentum early in the period when Gabe Bast was sent to the box for interference, giving the Steelers their first powerplay of the night. However, the Giants’ penalty kill was up to the task, frustrating the Steelers’ special team and keeping lanes effectively blocked.
Shortly after, Jackson Whistle denied Marco Vallerand with a sharp glove save before Belfast struck at 27:37. Gabe Bast set up Bobo Carpenter, whose back-post one-timer beat Matthew Greenfield to double the Giants’ lead.
Just two minutes later, the Giants extended their advantage. David Goodwin’s measured play found Ciaran Long, who cut into the slot and rifled a shot top corner over Greenfield’s blocker, making it 3-1 at 29:24.
The Steelers didn’t back down, pushing to close the gap. Mitchell Balmas found Joona Huttula streaking down the left wing, but Huttula’s hesitation allowed Whistle to recover and make the save.
Sheffield finally broke through at 33:13 when Maxim Golod delivered a crisp cross-ice pass to Patrick Watling. Watling capitalised, firing a shot past Whistle, who couldn’t shift across the crease in time, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
Tensions boiled over in the 36th minute in a scuffle near the Steelers bench. After Karl Boudrais’ interference play, Josh Roach dropped the gloves against Marco Vallerand. Though Vallerand kept his gloves on and avoided retaliation, both were assessed fighting penalties. Meanwhile, Colton Saucerman and Ben Lake nearly escalated matters further but were separated before fists flew.
Despite earning a powerplay from the altercation, the Steelers couldn’t find the equaliser, leaving the Giants ahead 3-2 as the teams prepared for what promised to be an intense final period.
Third Period [4-2] – Giants Halt Steelers’ Streak with Third-Period Decider
The Giants snapped the Steelers’ eight-game winning streak with a hard-fought 4-2 victory, sealing the contest with an unanswered goal in the final frame. The result leaves the Steelers in third place in the league standings as they return home for their next matchup.
The deciding moment came at 48:34, with the Giants capitalising on sustained offensive pressure. Grant Mismash worked the puck from behind Matthew Greenfield’s net, finding Mark Cooper in the slot for a precise one-timer that restored Belfast’s two-goal lead.
Despite a strong effort from Greenfield, who made 33 saves on 37 shots, the Steelers’ offense struggled to find rhythm in the third period. Loose pucks and turnovers in transition hampered their ability to create sustained pressure.
Jackson Whistle stood firm for the Giants, stopping 31 of 33 shots, frustrating the Steelers as they pushed for a comeback. Late penalties to Daniel Ciampini and Brandon Whistle further disrupted Sheffield’s momentum, allowing Belfast to control the clock.
With two minutes remaining, Greenfield was pulled for an extra attacker, but the Steelers were unable to break through, leaving the Giants to skate away with two points.
Robert Dowd earned Man of the Match honours for Sheffield, credited for his opening goal, while Josh Roach took the award for the Giants.
The Steelers will look to rebound when they return to the Utilita Arena on Saturday to face the Manchester Storm. Face-off is scheduled for 7 PM.
📸 Belfast Giants / William Cherry
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