Flames and Steelers tied at one each through 60 minutes

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames and Sheffield Steelers are locked at 1-1 after the first leg of their Playoff Quarter-Final series, with the game at the Spectrum finishing all square.

"It was good hockey, really up and down the sheet," said Flames scorer Jamal Watson. "There were a couple of penalties each, teams were finishing checks, really fun to play at this time of year."

Guildford opened the scoring at 8:29. Tyler Busch won the puck in the defensive zone and initiated a quick passing move involving Jonathan Racine and Tyler Preziuso, allowing Jamal Watson time and space in the slot to fire home.

Sheffield responded at 11:20 when Brien Diffley’s work in the offensive corner led to Ryan Tait finding Evan Jasper, who finished top shelf to level the game.

"Both teams competed hard, we knew Guildford would be physical with us and our goal was to do the same," explained Steelers' Diffley. "I think overall it was a pretty good effort from us and we're looking forward to the home game tomorrow."

Both teams created chances throughout the remainder of the contest, with goaltenders Justin Fazio and Matt Greenfield producing a number of key saves to keep the scores level. Fazio, in particular, produced a contender for save of the week to deny Sam Tremblay.

The Steelers were handed a late opportunity in the third period when Jonathan Racine was ejected for checking to the head, but they were unable to capitalise on the resulting powerplay.

"Our focus tonight was to get pucks in behind their defense and I think we did that," added Diffley. "We'd have liked to have come out with the lead, but there's definitely something we can build on with home ice."

Guildford also threatened to take a lead into the second leg, with Ethan Strang going closest late on, but the game finished 1-1, leaving the series finely balanced heading into the return fixture in Sheffield.

"I think we played well in the third period, we have to take that into tomorrow," said Watson. "We know they come out hard, but we weathered that storm today and came through it. I think we have the group here to get it done."