Steelers expecting Blaze to be on fire

The 2009-10 Elite League champions have endured a miserable start to the defence of their title, losing all four of their opening league games.

The only point Paul Thompson's side have picked up was in last weekend's Challenge Cup draw with Nottingham Panthers.

In comparison, the Steelers have put a summer of unrest behind them to come flying out of the blocks, currently leading the league table with five wins from five.

But with a defeat and draw against Cardiff Devils, player-coach Simon's team have stuttered in the Cup.

Simon was not impressed after seeing his team give up a three-goal lead against Cardiff at Ice Sheffield on wednesday night to give the Welsh side a share of the points. And he believes life will prove extremely difficult when he takes his players to Coventry tomorrow.

"I think any time you are playing a team who is hungry and desperate for a win is always a dangerous time," said Simon.

"We should have won on Wednesday and we could do with a win in this competition against Coventry. But it's not going to be easy and we've got to make sure we're ready for them."

Forward Derek Campbell will make his long-awaited Steelers' debut in Saturday night's league game at Sheffield Arena against Edinburgh Capitals after his visa wrangle was finally sorted out, allowing him to fly into the UK on Thursday.

Defenceman Rod Sarich – who has missed the last two games with a back injury – remains doubtful.