Sheffield Steelers 3-1 Belfast Giants

Both sides at full strength with Giants adding Grant Taylor from Romford.

A disappointing 2876 saw the opening play-off fixture in Group A as Sheffield got back to winning ways after losing the Challenge Cup Final on Wednesday.

Belfast were always dangerous up front in this chippy and physical encounter, but ultimately paid the price for their indiscipline.

Jason Bowen took his first penalty before the 2 minute mark, but Sheffield couldn't keep the puck in the Belfast end and Bowen emerged to force a stop from Bronsard.

Then Sheffield took a Too Many Men penalty and, save for 20 seconds, Belfast camped out around the home net. Ruff and Kenny both forced saves from the left. A speculative shot from the right into traffic from Morrison found the puck sitting loose in the crease, but Bronsard stretched out a pad to cover the puck in the nick of time.

Then Bowen took his second penalty, this time for high sticks, and with 40 seconds of the powerplay left Johnson took a slashing penalty (9:03). A slick passing move found Dutiaume on the right and he opened the scoring (9:37). Dutiaume almost doubled the advantage as Johnson returned and the scramble for the rebound saw Jamieson take a holding minor. After Giants again cleared their end with ease, a long pass from goalie Bronsard released Irving and he rifled home from the left (12:11).

Belfast were soon on the board, however, Ruff's big shot from right of centre found the blocker and the big rebound fell nicely for Kelman to blast in (14:53).

But just 80 seconds later LeFebvre fired in from the right and Ryder's pad save steered the puck to Lake who netted high over the goalie (16:13).

No goals in the middle session, but not through lack of effort. Ruff's shot was cleared with Ward about to pounce.

Walton forced 2 saves before Schulte went for holding Lake. Ryder did well to blank Adams on the doorstep during the powerplay. Schulte and Ellis both forced further stops. Finney did well low on the right to muscle through but Bronsard froze the shot.

Lake hit Walton shoulder-to-shoulder, but the Irishman fell head first into the boards and Lake was out of the game for boarding. Schulte earned a roughing penalty standing up for his team-mate. Colin Ward had an excellent chance to score seconds into the 4-on-4 but the puck ran off his stick.

Kelman's shooting was always dangerous but both sides were restricted to long range efforts until Adams found Peron arriving at the back post, but the shot went just wide.

Belfast began to tire in the final period and failed to force a save with Darling off for holding. With 11 minutes left Ruff skated across the front but was foiled, then Ryder blocked an Adams shot to safety.

In the final minutes Paxton Schulte earned an interference penalty and Ryder made 2 saves. Paxton returned to clash with Dion Darling. Schulte knocked Darling over and the linesmen dived in. When the ice chips has settled, Schulte had earned two 5+game penalties, one for tripping and one for roughing with Darling getting a double roughing minor.

Belfast were unable to lift Ryder as the clock wound down.