Sheffield 5-0 Nottingham

Temporary signing Pasi Raitenen in goal for Sheffield (home debut)

A bumper crowd of 6802 saw Pasi Raitenen play the game of his life behind a team that gave a text book lesson in team defence whilst Mike Peron helped himself to 3 goals. Panthers had plenty of powerplays and at times almost camped around the Steelers goal but could get no reward. For Pasi two moments stand out : Lee Jinman streaked away on 18 minutes but Pasi gloved his shot top left. With 40 seconds left in the game John Craighead muscled his way in but Pasi's left pad kept the shut-out intact.

Just one full strength goal in this one. Peron netted low from the right on the first powerplay (5:30) with Craighead in the box. Within a minute Stancok was prone on the ice and with no call arriving, Panthers captain Briane Thompson talked his way to a misconduct. Sheffield killed a penalty before Craighead gave up Steelers second powerplay and Peron scored again - Shudra's shot was taken out and Peron was first to react (11:01). That goal brought a timeout for Panthers.

Sheffield killed a second penalty on Adams before Craighead and Adams clashed behind the Panthers net and Sheffield had another powerplay from the 5 minors assessed. Seconds after Panthers returned to full strength Jinman raced away for that save. With the sides 4-on-4 Bobyck lashed home a bullet from the left (19:44).

Nottingham created the early second period pressure. Salonen was caught by Bolibruk's stick and departed the game at 24:15. Sheffield killed the 4 minute powerplay. Briane Thompson's roughing minor was punished when Bolibruk drilled home through a crowd of players (32:54). Panthers misery was complete when Irving stepped out of the penalty box to rob Carlsson, releasing Anderson and Peron had a simple tap-in at the back post (39:23).

Nottingham had 4 powerplay opportunities in the final period but Pasi and his defence held out. Late on Stancok hit Lake into the boards before dropping the gloves whilst Clarke and Ellis went toe-to-toe during the stoppage to boost the penalty totals.

Panthers gave a better display tonight than yesterday in Nottingham even though the scoreline might suggest otherwise.