Steelers try to get the balance right

The Elite League hopefuls go into Wednesday night's match against Edinburgh Capitals at Ice Sheffield (7.30pm) with three wins in four games from a gruelling five-day spell.

A 3-1 Challenge Cup win last Wednesday against Nottingham Panthers at the NIC was followed two days later by a 5-2 reverse in the same competition at home to their arch-rivals, a result which leaves them likely to be relying on results elsewhere to help them qualify for the semi-finals from Group B.

Two wins from a weekend double in Edinburgh - the first after a dramatic shoot-out - saw Steelers quickly return to winning ways in the league with tonight's rematch against their Scottish opponents presenting them with an ideal opportunity to keep in touch with the top two of Belfast Giants and Panthers.

As a result of their recent efforts, Steelers' players were not surprisingly given Monday off to recover and will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record against Brad Gratton's side.

"The fun part, as always, is playing in the games," said player-coach Simon, who has again called on defenceman Ryan Johnson from neighbouring EPL team Sheffield Steeldogs to provide defensive depth as British defenceman Mark Thomas is still around two weeks away from a return to the ice after suffering sn snkle injury.

"The hard work is always put in during practice and with hsaving so many games in such a short space of time, it does take its toll.

"It's all about trying to get the balance right between game time and practice when the games come as they have been.

"A win would keep us up there with the leaders but, as we saw at the weekend in Scotland, Edinburgh are no pushover.

"They were certainly a better team than the one we played last month at our place (Steelers won 8-0) but they had not been together long on that occasion."

Steelers welcome Edinburgh to South Yorkshire boasting the best powerplay in the Elite League, achieving a conversion rate of 26.4 per cent.

With a goal and two assists from the weekend, Steelers' Jeff Legue fuinds himself second in the league standings for points with 17 goals and 15 assists.

Fellow forward Joey Talbot is one place below him, boasting 31 points including 10 goals.