Flames took a 3rd period lead, and managed to tie the game again late, but Sheffield Steelers will go to the playoff final to take a run at the treble while Flames are relegated to the 3rd/4th game after falling 6-3 in the playoff semi final.
With the clubs approaching a scoreless opening frame, Sheffield converted a powerplay off the stick of Josh Nicholls just 19 seconds from period time to take a lead into the middle set.
Flames were unable to connect on their first powerplay of the contest early in the 2nd, but shortly after that, at 28:10, Jordan Klimek was able to pull Spectrum’s men level. The sides traded unsuccessful powerplays to close out the stanza even at a goal each.
Flames jumped in front for the first time at 43:21 through Matt Alvaro, but 75 seconds later Steelers squared it again thanks to Brien Diffley. Just before the period’s halfway mark Mithchell Balmas had the League and Cup champions back in front. A Steven McParland reply equalized for a 3rd time, but the Steelers crucial dagger came a little over 5 minutes from close with Brandon Whistle’s winner ahead of a late insurance strike from Daniel Ciampini. Flames removed Taz Burman for an extra attacker with about 3 minutes remaining, then went to a 6 on 4 skater advantage with a powerplay, but a final shorthanded Scott Allen empty netter 1 minute out completed the socring.
Taz Burman made 34 saves on 39 shots against Matthew Greenfield for Sheffield who was 22 of 25.
“It is hard to even comment right after a game like that because it is such a gut wrenching way to end a trophy chase and we have a room full of very disappointed men,” admitted Paul Dixon.
“We took a lead and then we pulled even again in the final stretch, just a shot away from winning it, but then they turned it right back around almost immediately. Some of those 3rd period spots were probably the highest stress minutes they have had all season and they just rolled right on through it.”
“They are an exceptionally high quality team and not champions by accident. You can’t just play well against them, you need to them make a lot of mistakes and then also get a bit of good luck on your own. They have earned everything they have achieved so far and all we can say is congratulations to them and good luck in their final.”
