Lehman is the star of the show for Steelers

SHEFFIELD stopper Jody Lehman was the star of the show for the Steelers as Dave Matsos' men took another giant stride towards the Elite League title, beating Coventry Blaze 2-1.

The Steelers, who extended their winning run to seven games in Coventry, started like an express train and went two goals ahead after just five minutes of play through Joey Talbot and Ryan Finnerty.

In the second period Jonathan Weaver threw Coventry a lifeline, pulling a goal back but in the crucial third, Lehman stood strong as all Blaze had to throw at him was propelled with ease.

Blaze coach Paul Thompson refused to give up on retaining his league title, but acknowledged Lehman's efforts, saying: "I'm not disappointed with our performance because we out-played the best team in the league.

"We came away with nothing, though, and that was down to Lehman. He has been playing well for Sheffield all season.

"I think he is in better form than he was when he was playing for us in the year we won the Grand Slam."

An amazing finish saw Hull Stingrays snatch two crucial points from Cardiff Devils in a 2-1 win, with defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk the hero with a double strike, including the winner 30 seconds from time.

Edinburgh Capitals halted a dismal five-game losing run as they left it very late to win 4-3 against Basingstoke Bison and maintain their push for a play-off spot.

With the game heading for overtime the Capitals went on the powerplay and Adam Stefishen hit home the vital game winning goal.

Meanwhile, not for the first time this season, Manchester let slip a winning position at home, as Nottingham scored four late goals, including a brace from Kevin Bergin 17 seconds apart, as the Phoenix crashed 4-2.

REBECCA WAIN