Sheffield Steelers 1OT1 Cardiff Devils

Steelers without Stevie Duncombe but add Ryan Lake and Lee Mitchell. Devils without Gerad Adams.

Vezio Sacratini ensured his side shared the points after Kent Simpson's goal seemed to have earned Sheffield the win.

3118 saw Cardiff hit the post and then fail to capitalise on a short 5-on-3 opportunity late in the opening period with both goalies in fine form.

The tone was set when Peter Aubry blocked Martin Masa's deflection and ensured there was no rebound as Brad Voth sat a hooking penalty. When Jason Robinson's interference penalty gave Devils their first powerplay, Mark Richardson hit the near post from low on the right. Jeff Burgoyne and Sacratini also forced saves. Masa joined Robinson in the box for holding for 21 seconds of 5-on-3, but only Mike Garrow could test Jody Lehman.

Sheffield rarely threatened on their 2 powerplay chances in the middle session. Then, just as Devils were beginning to carry the greater threat, Robinson's long pass released Simpson who squeezed the puck home as he skated right on the goalie (32:20).

Three minutes later Dennis Maxwell had a similar chance but Aubry gloved the backhanded shot, a stunning save. Maxwell couldn't believe he hadn't scored.

Aubry was busy again as Regan Darby sat a cross-checking penalty.

The third period opened in explosive fashion, Brad Voth driving the net, with Robinson taking exception and the pair sat 4 minutes each for roughing. Mitchell's high stick gave Cardiff another powerplay and this time it was Louis Goulet shaking his head as Lehman blanked him at point-blank range.

The game was now end-to-end without either side really looking to score, but Sacratini forced a rebound home after Lehman failed to deal with Darby's speculative shot (53:16).

Kirk DeWaele's holding penalty ensured that Aubry was the busier keeper denying Simpson and Maxwell, but he was not to be beaten.

In the opening minute of overtime Mark Dutiaume fired into the side-netting from the left wing. A minute later Darby and Masa clashed and the sides played 2 minutes of 3-on-3. Sheffield created the better openings but only Shudra forced a save when he attempted a wraparound.

With 2 minutes left Devils broke away 2-on-1. Goulet chose to shoot not pass and Lehman made a comfortable save.