Clan leave it late to see off Steelers
Last-gasp rally makes it a good day at office for Braehead
Braehead Clan....5 Sheffield Steelers...2
Craig Ritchie
It was the late, late show at Braehead Arena as Clan fought to the very end to defeat Sheffield Steelers.
Last-gasp strikes from Craig Peacock and Adam Brace secured a massive two points for John Tripp’s side in their quest for the play-offs.
Following a run of four games without a win, Braehead welcomed the Steelers as they looked to cement eighth spot as their own.
But it was the Steelers that started the evening on the front foot, with Robert Dowd hitting the post for Paul Thompson’s side inside the opening period.
And although the first stanza remained goalless, chances for both sides ensured that the deadlock wouldn’t be unbroken for too long.
The English side remained on top in the opening exchanges of the second period, forcing Ryan Nie into a superb diving save from a slapshot that appeared to be destined for the top corner of his goal.
However, the opening goal eventually came at the other end just after the halfway point, with a low Landon Oslanski effort finding its way beyond Ervins Mustukovs in the Steelers goal.
Clan opened up a two- goal lead soon after as player/coach Brendan Brooks cleaned up at the net after a short pass from Matt Haywood gave him enough time and space to pick his spot.
The floodgates were now opened by unfortunately for the Clan, the next goal came at their expense as Miika Franssila was put through on goal by his captain Jonathan Phillips, and this time Nie was helpless.
With a grandstand finish all set, Braehead restored their two-goal lead early in the third with a fierce effort from Craig Cescon.
Eric Neiley hit back within a minute for the Steelers to, again, bring them back within one and make things a little tense as the final period went on.
Clan continued to pile forward, with an Oslanski drive forcing an excellent save from Mustukovs, but the tension was finally eased as Peacock rounded the stopper to add the fourth.
And an empty net finish from Brace, with an assist from Nie, sealed the victory for the hosts on a good night for Tripp’s side.