A nightmare evening saw Lightning shut out in their own rink for the first time since March 2008 when they went down 2-0 to Sheffield Steeldogs.

In the worst performance this season it was vital that Lightning grabbed an early goal to counter Steeldogs’ defensive strategy.

Unfortunately it was the visitors who got the breakthrough while on a five on three powerplay after Blaz Emersic and Nick Poole took quick penalties for tripping and delaying the game respectively. Goalie Barry Hollyhead blocked Ben Morgan’s initial shot but was unable to stop the follow up by Edgars Bebris on 3mins 45secs.
From then on Steeldogs’ defence became increasingly difficult to break down although Ross Bowers and Leigh Jamieson both forced great saves from netminder Ben Bowns before the visitors snatched a second goal.

The goal was down to a defensive lapse with Janis Ozolins able to skate through to blast past Hollyhead after 18mins 37secs.

As the second period went on Lightning looked more and more devoid of ideas and imagination in trying to find a way through – they were unable to get close enough to goal when a powerplay with Pavel Gomeniuk in the sin bin and wasted a further man advantage as Steve Duncombe served time.

Things didn’t get any better in the third session with Lightning only managing eight shots on target while Steeldogs were content with six.

Sheffield Goals

3.45 Bebris, Morgan, Gomenuik PP
18.37 Ozolins, Gibson, Brittle E

MKL Penalties

1.58 Emersic, 2 mins, tripping
2.30 Poole, 2 mins, delaying the game
11.14 Zatopek, 2 mins, delaying the game
25.37 Zatopek, 2 mins, tripping
42.57 Gracik, 2 2 + 10 mins, checking from behind
53.41 Jamieson, 2 mins, interference
54.24 Christie, 2 mins, tripping

Sheffield Penalties

1.34 Payette 2 mins, charging
8.21 Hurst, 2 mins, interference
15.40 Duncombe, 2 mins, interference
25.23 Bell, 2 mins, holding
29.50 Gomeniuk, 2 mins, tripping
34.06 Duncombe, 2 mins, roughing
51.15 Payette, 2 mins, roughing
55.22 Gomenuik, 2 mins, holding
55.05 Wood, 2 mins, hi sticks
58.06 Duncombe, 2 mins, hooking

Shots on Goal

MKL – Hollyhead – 10, 8, 6 = 24
Sheffield – Bowns – 10, 11, 8 = 29

Referee – Roman Szucs
Linesmen – Kevin Biggs, Jason Earl