Sheffield Steeldogs v Leeds Knights: Slava Koulikov targets festive repeat show against derby rivals
SATURDAY night may have brought one of Sheffield Steeldogs’ best performances of the season, but head coach Slava Koulikov has quickly moved on.
For some, the 6-4 triumph over defending NIHL National champions Leeds Knights was a ‘statement win’ - the Steeldogs’ second such triumph in West Yorkshire this season.
But if any further proof were needed as to how difficult it will be for the Steeldogs to try and take the Knights’ regular season crown from them, it came the following night on home ice against bottom club Solway Sharks.
The Steeldogs reached the halfway stage at Ice Sheffield trailing 4-3, the game clearly not going according to script.
But inside a minute of the third period starting, the home team’s night had been transformed, scoring four unanswered goals in eight minutes to leave their Scottish opponents floored.
They saw the game out for an 8-5 win which means they go into their New Year’s Eve rematch at Ice Sheffield against Leeds knowing a win would put them above leaders Swindon Wildcats and top of the standings for the first time this season.
It is some incentive - if any further were needed - for Koulikov and his players, although leaders Swindon could quickly go back above them if they beat Basingstoke Bison at home on New Year’s Day.
“We were obviously happy with the win in Leeds, but now it is a clean slate,” said Koulikov.
“We lost the previous league game at home to them 3-2, so we have to make sure we compete and have that desire to win.
“That is what really gave us the chance in Leeds. We just competed for every single puck for 60 minutes and eventually got the rewards. Again, I think this will be a game where small margins make the difference.”
While third-placed Leeds are currently seven points adrift of the Steeldogs, Koulikov remains aware of the threat they pose.
“They have three years of being champions, they have been the best team in this league for the last three years,” he added.
“They are also a top three team right now and there is still half a season to go. We know how well they can play, they showed that a couple of days ago, that first period they played at theirs, they came out flying, they were relentless.
“We had to weather the storm, then we evened the game out in the second and third and probably edged it and deserved the win.
“It was a great battle between two good teams and they are a top, top team in this league.”