Ryan Tait's perfect timing helps Sheffield Steelers maintain winning Challenge Cup start
RYAN TAIT ensured Sheffield Steelers maintained a winning start to their Challenge Cup campaign when he scored an overtime winner to sink Nottingham Panthers 3-2 on Saturday night.
It capped an impressive comeback from the Steelers who had trailed 2-1 going into the third period.
“It’s amazing to score the winning goal, but I’m really proud of the way we came back and found a way to win,” said Tait afterwards.
“I couldn’t be happier, but I’m even happier with the team effort.
“Mitchell (Balmas) led the way for us, Greener (goalie Matt Greenfield) made big saves but there were contributions right through the line-up.”
After a goalless first period, it was the Steelers who got ahead just 16 seconds into the second period when Mitchell Balmas beat Mat Robson after being set up by Olivier Archambault.
But the Panthers’ rallied and were ahead before the halfway mark, Tim Doherty equalising at 26.47 before Joe Hazeldine made it 2-1 at 29.36.
But, in front of an 8,700-plus crowd, the Steelers got themselves back in the game through a special moment for Balmas, a power play opportunity handing him his 250th EIHL point when he beat Robson from the top of the circle.
Balmas then had the chance to complete his hat-trick and win the game from a penalty shot in overtime but was denied by Robson but it wasn’t long before the win arrived, Adam Rockwood driving down the boards to find Tait, who finished to secure the extra point in a 3-2 win.
“These Cup games are important,” added Tait. “It’s about putting results together, building our identity every game and executing the way we want to play.
“To come from behind and show that determination is huge because later in the season we’re going to be involved in a lot of hard games.
“Especially against Nottingham. They’re our rivals, they’re a good hockey team and those games are always going to be tough.
“You have to stick together and find a way to get it done.”