Sheffield Steelers recovered from two goals behind to defeat Nottingham Panthers 4-2 on Halloween night, earning their first league victory over their rivals this season. Nottingham led after a scoreless opening 18 minutes, when Chase Pearson converted Zach O’Brien’s pass, and doubled the advantage just over eight minutes into the second period after O’Brien’s shot was tapped into an open net.
Brien Diffley pulled Sheffield back into the game with 1:38 left in the period, finishing after Mikko Juusola worked the puck out from below the goal line. The Steelers equalised on a third-period powerplay, with Adam Rockwood scoring after a passing move involving Mitchell Balmas and Olivier Archambault.
Sheffield took the lead on another powerplay, Ryan Tait converting a first-time shot from the slot after Joseph Hazeldine was penalised for delay of game. Sean Collins sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute, set up by Tim Gettinger. Archambault said the comeback was good for the team, fans and club. O’Brien said Nottingham had dropped off its game and was learning as a young team.