The Sheffield Steelers became the first team to book their place at the 2023 Elite League Playoff Finals Weekend on Saturday [8 April], defeating the Manchester Storm 7-2 on aggregate in their quarter-final clash.
The Steelers, who finished the regular season with a record of 36-13-5, were held to a draw in the first leg but proved too hot to handle in the return fixture, winning 5-2 on home ice to punch their ticket to the final four.
“I felt like the game got away from us a little bit last night,” Sheffield head coach Aaron Fox said of the series. “It was a little bit disheartening to come back here level but we could’ve had eight or nine tonight once we settled into the game. It was a good effort from us.”
🎙Post-Game | #EIHL @steelershockey's Aaron Fox on the win over Manchester to make the Playoff Finals Weekend. pic.twitter.com/nQE2bOZdgq
— Viaplay Elite League | #EIHL (@officialEIHL) April 8, 2023
Added Manchester Storm head coach Matt Ginn: “Sheffield played really well in both games but I liked our response. We didn’t quit when we were down by three, which really shows the character in the room.”
The Steelers will appear at Playoff Finals Weekend for the first time in five years, aiming to clinch their first postseason triumph since 2016-17.
Analysis: Manchester Storm should take confidence from step-forward season
The Storm will take plenty of positives from the season that was.
Manchester made impressive progress under the leadership of general manager Ryan Finnerty and head coach Matt Ginn, which places them in a strong position to recruit players in the offseason.
First order of business for the summer? Keeping Anthony DeLuca around.
The Canadian forward was sensational for the Storm since his midseason arrival, recording 53 points (29 goals, 24 assists) in 46 appearances.
Jeremy Brodeur is another prime retention target.
The American netminder recorded a .917 save percentage through 36 appearances for Manchester, despite facing a higher-than-average shot volume.
If Finnerty and Ginn keep the band together, the Storm are set for a bright future with this core.
Analysis: Sheffield Steelers punch ticket to 2023 Playoff Finals Weekend
Sheffield fans endured a topsy turvy season.
The Steelers were main characters in the title race until they set about a losing run down the stretch. They were also embarrassed by the Fife Flyers in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Sheffield Steelers head coach Aaron Fox is “delighted” with his team’s triple signing (Image: Mark / All Sports Photography)
But, with progression to Playoff Finals Weekend, they have a shot at redemption. Will they take it?
Maybe.
Aaron Fox has built a dangerous offensive team, one capable of beating the division’s very best. But they also endure defensive lapses and are swayed by momentum shifts. When the chips are down, can they be trusted to pull through? We’ll find out next week in Nottingham.
2023 Elite League Playoff Finals Weekend | How will the Steelers fare in the final four? Join the conversation in the replies.
