Sheffield Steelers will head to Berlin subsequent week needing to make up two objectives on Eisbären in the event that they’re to remain alive within the Champions Hockey League this season.
The Elite League aspect have been crushed 5-3 on the Utilita Area within the first leg of their Spherical of 16 conflict, watched by 8.983 followers.
Zach Boychuk put Berlin into the lead with 1:25 left within the opening interval, tapping residence a rebound from a Ty Ronnie feed in entrance.
1:15 into interval two, Liam Kirk’s stretch move discovered Blaine Byron who patiently held onto the puck earlier than organising Mitchell Reinke for the 2-0 lead. The Steelers have been again into issues beneath two minutes later, nevertheless, as a Kevin Tansey shot from the purpose was tipped in entrance by Mark Simpson to half the deficit at 23:53.
Kirk was instrumental in Eisbären going again two forward at 27:45. Daniel Leavens turned the puck over on his personal blue line because the Steelers regarded to interrupt out, and Kirk’s move throughout the slot landed completely on the stick of Ty Ronning to make it 3-1.
Sam Tremblay, enjoying up from the Steeldogs, obtained onto a rebound from a Cole Shudra shot to carry the Steelers again to inside one once more, earlier than the Steelers have been again stage earlier than the break. A Dominic Cormier shot from the purpose made it throughout to tie the sport with 53 seconds left in interval two.
All sq. heading into the ultimate 20 minutes of the primary leg, Byron obtained the essential subsequent purpose, placing Berlin again forward 3:58 into the third with a wrist shot within the slot after the Steelers turned the puck over in their very own zone. A late Leo Pföderl one-timer beating Matt Greenfield with 3:24 to play ensured the guests would go away with a two-goal head begin heading into the return leg.
Photograph: Dean Woolley
