Steelers 1-3 Nottingham Panthers

Kent Simpson made his debut for Sheffield whilst Mark Dutiaume did not ice (groin strain). Dion Darling and Paul Moran returned for Panthers, but David Clarke did not play (knee ligaments).

5932 witnessed Nottingham deservedly win this gripping local derby as Sheffield self-destructed in the middle period despite returnee Kent Simpson scoring on his debut and taking the his side's Man of the Match award.

Sheffield self-destructed in an indisciplined middle session as Panthers plundered 3 goals, 2 on powerplays and the third as another penalty ended.

Mike Peron's interference penalty behind the play saw Panthers slick powerplay open the scoring, Joe Carderelli converting a rebound at the left post after Bowen's initial shot (25:45).

Warren Tait's high sticking penalty (29:30) brought two goals. As Panthers pressed, Dion Darling and Dan Tessier both forced stops.

But Steelers were gifted a short-handed equaliser when Cruickshank was robbed behind his net by Simpson and the debutant wrapped the puck into the empty net (30:32).

The joy for the home fans was short-lived as Tessier fired in from the right (31:30) as the penalty ended. Emersic had twice been denied before that.

Five minutes later Mike Peron was back in the box for hooking, and when Martin Massa joined him 71 seconds later for tripping, Man of the Match Dan Tessier ripped home another right wing rocket and the large away following launched into an ironic chant of "Hey, Mike Peron!"

Martin Massa had a golden chance to pull one back, arriving on the doorstep in the opening minute of the final period, but Cruickshank shut the door. Panthers were then content to play out the period taking no risks.

Simpson and Andrew Luciuk both forced good saves and Jonas Lennartsson keopt plugging away from the blue line, but the visitors always looked comfortable.

Earlier Sheffield had the better of the early play, Curtis Cruickshank turning aside a Paul Sample backhander just 40 seconds into the game.

Darling's hooking penalty forced one save from Ron Shudra with Dan Ceman blasting over the bar when well-placed.

But Nottingham began to assert themselves and were the better side until the first interval.

The impressive Dan Tessier forced a fine save right pad from 12 feet and when Regan Kelly took the second penalty of the night, Panthers powerplay clicked into gear. Two shots from Curtis Bowen and a close-in effort from Dan Welch forced further saves from Jody Lehman. The same players continued to test the home goalie and Ron Shudra was obliged to haul down Blaz Emerisc as he went on fast mazey skate through the middle.

Back on the powerplay Bowen and Calle Carlsson kept firing them in for the top of the zone, with Joe Carderelli also testing Lehman.

The home side rallied in the closing minutes of the period, twice Rod Sarich forcing good saves from Cruickshank.

Panthers then took full advantage from Sheffield's indiscipline, though Sheffield were a shade unlucky at 1-0 when Dan Ceman forced a fine save and Martin Massa was unlucky not to reach the rebound. The sides were 4-on-4 at the time after Peron and Tessier both headed for the box in the scramble following Regan Kelly's left wing shot.

Simpson gave them hope 2 minute later but Panthers were not to be denied.