Never-say-die Steelers sink Devils

DAVE MATSOS believes his Sheffield Steelers side are finally hitting top form at the right time of year as the end-of-season play-offs draw close.

With all hope of defending their Elite League title long gone, Steelers came from behind four times on Wednesday night in South Wales to register a 5-4 win against Cardiff Devils.

The result – courtesy of goals from Mike Sgroi, Matt Hubbauer (2), Jeff Legue and Joe Talbot – moved Steelers up to fifth in the table and above Edinburgh Capitals, although the Scottish club do have three games in hand.

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"It's taken longer than we had hoped but we seem to be finally getting it together, which is good going into the play-offs," said head coach Matsos.

"Cardiff is never an easy rink to play in because of its size but we adapted well and dug out a deserved win."

After a goalless opening period, the floodgates opened at both ends during the second.

Max Birbraer started it all for the home side at 24.25 only for Sgroi to cancel it out at 27.01 on the powerplay.

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Mark Smith edged Devils ahead again at 29.35 before Hubbauer drew the visitors level again 15 seconds later with his 27th goal of the season.

Former Steelers favourite Ryan Finnerty then made it 3-2 to Cardiff before Hubbauer once again found his range at 37.22 to see it end all-square at the end of the middle section.

After Tylor Michel made it 4-3 for Gerad Adams' men at 44.39 the home side could have been forgiven for thinking they had surely done enoguh to see off Steelers but two goals in the space of 12 seconds, the first from Legue at 55.33 on the powerplay, followed by Talbot's game winner, ensured a first win of the season in South wales for the visitors.

If Steelers do finish fifth, they are likely to face Cardiff in the play-offs as the Welsh side are expected to clinch fourth spot, although Matsos admits there will be no easy match-up in the post season whoever they are pitted against.

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He added: "It's a bit of a littery to be honest in the play-offs - we don't really mind who we get - Coventry, Belfast, Nottingham or Cardiff. There won't be any easy games."

Steelers, meanwhile, have confirmed they will retire the No 26 jersey worn by former defensive hero Ron Shudra in a special ceremony before the home game at Sheffield Arena against arch-rivals Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, March 20.

The 42-year-old played more than 400 games for the club in two spells between 1991-99 and 2003-2006.

Shudra, who also spent two years coaching neighbouring EPL outfit Sheffield Scimitars, said: "It will be a fantastic day and I will be very proud to be stood there seeing the No 26 shirt lifted into the rafter.

"I loved my times with the Steelers - without doubt the best days of my life."