Steelers keeper Jody Lehman makes a save in the 4-2 win over Hull

Sheffield Steelers defenceman Mark Thomas has admitted the team are now talking about winning the Elite League after beating Hull 4-2 on Sunday.

Dave Matsos's side are now unbeaten in 12 games and are just three wins away from claiming the title.

Thomas told BBC Radio Sheffield: "The guys are starting to talk about it.

"Thursday [when Sheffield host second-placed Coventry Blaze] is the biggest game of the season and we'll all be ready for that."

The Steelers face back-to-back games against Coventry as they travel to the Skydome for the return game on Sunday.

Steelers captain Jonathan Phillips said he believes the next two games will decide who wins the title.

"We now have these two big games with Coventry coming up on Thursday and on Sunday. If we can beat Coventry at home then we are almost home," he said.

The Coventry side is the team that push us all the way. We have total respect for them Jonathan Phillips

"The Coventry side is the team that push us all the way. We have total respect for them.

"We don't take them for granted when we play them or when they are playing someone else, they are the team we have kept our eye on all year."

The Steelers came from behind twice on Sunday to beat Hull.

The visitors took the lead with the only goal in the first period coming from Matt Reynolds.

Mark Thomas levelled the game after 23 minutes but the Stingrays struck early in the third period through Jamie Thompson on the power play.

Brad Cruickshank brought the home side level again on 51 minutes but the Steelers took the lead for the first time six minutes later with a goal from Joey Talbot.

Doug Sheppard made it 4 -2 scoring into an empty net just before the hour mark.

The Steelers game against Coventry on Thursday February at the Sheffield Arena starts at 1930 GMT.

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