Steelers’ title hopes take double jolt

A 5-2 defeat at title rivals Belfast Giants on Saturday was followed by a 4-1 away setback to Nottingham Panthers on a forgettable weekend for Ben Simon’s team.

A return encounter at home to third-placed Belfast on Wednesday night hands them an opportunity – with just four games remaining – to regain some control over their destiny.

But their three-game losing streak has allowed Cardiff Devils back into the title race, with a 4-2 win over Braehead Clan seeing them draw level on points.

The Steelers twice gave themselves too much to do on the road by allowing their opponents’ to open up healthy leads.

Despite long being out of the title race, Nottingham hope to deny their arch-rivals another crown. The game was over by the 42nd minute when they were 4-0 up through Jade Galbraith, Danny Meyers, David Clarke and Rob Bellamy. Joe Talbot reduced the deficit, but the closest the Steelers went again was when Simon and Rob Globke both hit the posts.

On Saturday, Sheffield found themselves 5-0 down in Belfast after only 25 minutes. Second-period replies came from Simon and Rod Sarich, but the visitors could close the gap no further.

Hull Stingrays snapped a three-game losing streak by following up Saturday’s 6-5 win at Coventry Blaze with a 1-0 triumph at home to second-bottom Newcastle Vipers.