Jasper relieved to deliver crucial goal as Steelers see off Fife

Evan Jasper admitted there was as much relief as celebration when his second goal of the night gave Sheffield Steelers the breathing space they needed in Sunday’s 6-3 victory over Fife Flyers.

The Steelers appeared to be cruising after racing into a 4-0 first-period lead at the Utilita Arena, only for Fife to respond with three unanswered goals during the second period.

Suddenly, a game that had looked firmly under Sheffield’s control was back in the balance.

Jasper then scored the crucial fifth goal in the third period before Olivier Archambault added a sixth to secure two important Elite League points.

“First and foremost, getting those points is what we needed,” said Jasper.

“It was tough losing to Fife twice the other weekend. I know we got two points out of those games, but any time you can get a win and improve your position in the standings, that’s huge.”

The previous meetings between the teams had both ended in 2-1 overtime victories for Fife, making Sunday’s game particularly important for a Sheffield side determined not to drop further league points against the Flyers.

This time, despite Fife threatening another comeback, the Steelers found a way to close the game out.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster,” Jasper said.

“We came out really well, had a tough second period, but then rebounded.

“It was nice to put the nail in the coffin there with six or seven minutes left.

“They were still putting us under pressure and they still had chances, but I thought we did a good job of finishing the game off.”

Jasper’s second goal carried particular significance.

At 4-3, Sheffield were only one Fife shot away from being dragged level, with the possibility of another overtime meeting very much in the players’ minds.

“One shot for them and it’s a tie game, and then who knows what happens in overtime or a shootout,” Jasper said.

“Obviously that hasn’t worked in our favour against them the last couple of times.

“So to put them away and be able to sit back just a little bit took some of the pressure off our shoulders.”

The forward admitted the reaction to the goal reflected the tension that had developed after Fife’s second-period fightback.

“You’re celebrating because you’re happy, but there’s also a little sigh of relief,” he said.

“It’s almost, ‘Okay, I think we probably have this one in the bag now.’”

Jasper’s two-goal performance earned him Sheffield’s man-of-the-match award and helped the Steelers secure a valuable league victory after Saturday night’s narrow 1-0 Challenge Cup defeat in Cardiff.