GAME THREAD: Sheffield Steelers v Fife Flyers Wednesday 15th February 7:30pm

[kgw]

I was there, the last 20 mins were shockingly poor, starting with their first goal which Petgrave gifted them.
I could take the loss tonight if it meant we might get the 4 points this weekend, but I doubt we will.

I reckon Belfast have the Challenge Cup, and most likely League sown up, probably the playoffs as well.
I don't know whats happened at the Steelers this past 5 years but they are no longer the powerhouse they used to be.
Maybe its just that other teams in the league have got better.

That was Fife, in a semi-final, at home for christ's sake, we threw it away.

Steelers have accepted being second best as long as the money comes in and the off ice entertainment is keeping fans happy. Its as simple as that.

How is that true when we have added two premium players before the deadline? If what you're saying is true they wouldn't have bothered.

[paul johnston]

I was there, the last 20 mins were shockingly poor, starting with their first goal which Petgrave gifted them.
I could take the loss tonight if it meant we might get the 4 points this weekend, but I doubt we will.

I reckon Belfast have the Challenge Cup, and most likely League sown up, probably the playoffs as well.
I don't know whats happened at the Steelers this past 5 years but they are no longer the powerhouse they used to be.
Maybe its just that other teams in the league have got better.

That was Fife, in a semi-final, at home for christ's sake, we threw it away.

Steelers have accepted being second best as long as the money comes in and the off ice entertainment is keeping fans happy. Its as simple as that.

How is that true when we have added two premium players before the deadline? If what you're saying is true they wouldn't have bothered.

However much marquee signings suggest that they want to win, certainly that will help keep punters coming through the door, the bottom line is the dearth of trophies over the last 5-6 years.
The questions will be asked at the end of the season if we are trophyless at seasons end.
Has Fox improved us/his team in his tenure?
Is he going to further improve us to get us winning the league again?

[paul johnston]

Also, by the Steelers, I also mean the players on the ice accept mediocrity. What has happened to the leave it all out there, never say die attitude, 100% effort for a full 60 mins.
If you think those last two periods, which have been repeated in many games this season, is a good brand of Steeler hockey then I don't know what to think.

[smbmetal]

Also, by the Steelers, I also mean the players on the ice accept mediocrity. What has happened to the leave it all out there, never say die attitude, 100% effort for a full 60 mins.
If you think those last two periods, which have been repeated in many games this season, is a good brand of Steeler hockey then I don't know what to think.

Just listened to Fox's post game interview on Steelers twitter. In my eyes Fox doesn't appear to be particularly bothered that we lost in a semi-final, even going as far as to blame the rules.

I used to think Tony Smith was happy as long the shop was open and there were bums on seats, however the recent Bob Fairytale article with Smith pulling in Fox for a meeting to remind him of his expectations changed my mind.

I think you've hit the nail on the head here Paul, it's the Steelers PLAYERS that accept mediocrity which the ultimate responsibility lies with the coach. Fox's vanilla brand of hockey (like other EIHL teams) is not what the Steelers used to be about. We're following the exact same pattern of last year where all the New Year games are garbage and we've lost our energy and momentum. SORT IT OUT FOX!

9,000+ fans turned out (again), so the effort is there from the fans, we need to see it from the team and players now.

[Brian]

Taking penalties in the offensive zone again.!
Brought Fife back into a game which they must have almost given up hope on.
Connolly' s foul was just a fit of pique . I was amazed to see Fox kept sending him out to play after that .

[BontSteeler]

I get folks frustrations at Fox but for me personally I blame those on the ice who can't seem to do their jobs properly.

I wasn't there last night but these players built up a 3-0 lead - only to then go & concede 3 goals in the 3rd to tie it up 3-3.

I've noticed a fair amount of criticism at a certain number 63, that's not Fox's fault the idiot decided to give away a needless penalty, the bloke (63) has got years of EIHL experience to know that these officials will pull you up.

Its those players on the ice that need to be held accountable, I know how damn hard Fox & his staff work getting gameplan etc sorted - like TS said in a recent interview these players want for nothing now, it's a very impressive team behind the scenes working hard making sure those on the ice have everything they want.

Step up those on the ice, last night was not acceptable.

[BontSteeler]

Just adding to my post :

A huge congratulations to Fife Flyers who were simply the better team over the 2 legs & deserve to be in the Final.

I'll be cheering for them!

[paul johnston]

I get folks frustrations at Fox but for me personally I blame those on the ice who can't seem to do their jobs properly.

I wasn't there last night but these players built up a 3-0 lead - only to then go & concede 3 goals in the 3rd to tie it up 3-3.

I've noticed a fair amount of criticism at a certain number 63, that's not Fox's fault the idiot decided to give away a needless penalty, the bloke (63) has got years of EIHL experience to know that these officials will pull you up.

Its those players on the ice that need to be held accountable, I know how damn hard Fox & his staff work getting gameplan etc sorted - like TS said in a recent interview these players want for nothing now, it's a very impressive team behind the scenes working hard making sure those on the ice have everything they want.

Step up those on the ice, last night was not acceptable.

Thats very true-but the predictability of how the game panned out wasn't a surprise, we've had many games where we have just crumbled performance wise on the second and third periods.
It's the coaches job to sort it-and he continually fails to do so. It seems there is a real lack of on ice leadership and accountability, and considering Connolly has an A on his shirt his last period performance was a disgrace.
Maybe the players will have had another Frank feedback session in the changing room post game again-a bit too late unfortunately

[smbmetal]

I get folks frustrations at Fox but for me personally I blame those on the ice who can't seem to do their jobs properly.

I wasn't there last night but these players built up a 3-0 lead - only to then go & concede 3 goals in the 3rd to tie it up 3-3.

I've noticed a fair amount of criticism at a certain number 63, that's not Fox's fault the idiot decided to give away a needless penalty, the bloke (63) has got years of EIHL experience to know that these officials will pull you up.

Its those players on the ice that need to be held accountable, I know how damn hard Fox & his staff work getting gameplan etc sorted - like TS said in a recent interview these players want for nothing now, it's a very impressive team behind the scenes working hard making sure those on the ice have everything they want.

Step up those on the ice, last night was not acceptable.

Understand where you are coming from here and of course they are correct observations. The players have to take a lot of the responsibility.

Ultimately for me, responsibility lies with the coach and whilst he's not on the ice, he is still responsible for the results. If not, then you may as well have the players in charge.

I didn't see the game, but if Connolly's penalty was really that bad, then a strong coach will scratch him for the next game.