Steelers must cut out cutting corners

Sheffield Steelers’ head coach Paul Thompson has urged his players to stay patient when they travel to bogey side Belfast Giants in a double-header weekend, writes Phil Harrison.

In four previous meetings between the two Elite League title rivals this season, the Steelers have yet to come out on top.

But Thompson is convinced his team should go into the first of two games tonight in buoyant mood, the Steelers having extended their winning streak to five games with their 6-5 victory after a shoot-out at Manchester Storm on New Year’s Day.

As for their hosts, they too are in a decent run of form, losing just once in their last seven league games to leave them two points ahead of third-placed Steelers with a game in hand.

Both teams are looking for a way to rein in defending champions and current leaders Cardiff Devils who, on the back of a remarkable 13-game winning streak, are six points clear of the Giants.

But Thompson expects plenty of twists and turns in the title race between now and the final weekend of the regular season on March 24-25.

“We’re in a much better position than when we last played them, mentally too,” said Thompson, who will give a Steelers debut to newly-arrived American winger Eric Neiley.

“Against Belfast I don’t feel we have played a patient enough game yet, we’ve cut corners and made some individual errors, which have led to goals. So our compete level has to be way, way higher than it has been against them previously.”