Steelers on the verge of Elite League title

SHEFFIELD Steelers set the record straight in some style on Sunday as they avenged their midweek defeat against Coventry Blaze, winning 3-1 on their travels.

The Steelers, who saw their 12-game winning run ended by Coventry in midweek, secured their third win in the Skydome this season, pushing them ever closer to the title in the process.

Sheffield started like an express train and scored early goals through Ashley Tait and Jeff Legue but Blaze hit back in the first quarter through Sylvain Deschatelets.

Scott Basiuk and Randy Dagenais of Steelers, along with Carlyle Lewis and Leigh Jamieson of Blaze were all sin-binned for fighting as tempers threatened to boil over.

Both goaltenders remained in outstanding form but the victory was assured for Steelers when Ryan Finnerty (18th) scored.

Home frustrations at that point led to a bench minor, plus game misconduct for Coventry.

It really is now really only a question of when the champagne corks will be popping in Sheffield.

Meanwhile, Newcastle beat Cardiff Devils 2-1 after penalty shots.

The five minutes of sudden death overtime failed to find a winner and the game went to penalty shots with Ed Courtenay firing home the decisive penalty shot for the game winner.

Hull got their first win in six games and at the same time recorded their first win against Nottingham at home in 18 months, winning 6-4 and keeping alive their play-off hopes for this season especially with Edinburgh also claiming maximum points.

Elsewhere, a crucial two points for Edinburgh as they continue their battle with Hull for the final play-off spot but it wasn't easy against a Giants side playing their fourth game in five nights, with the 4-2 victory only iced with a couple of goals late on.