Steelers want to add the Elite League title to last season's play-off success

Sheffield Steelers can win the Elite League if they beat Nottingham and Newcastle this weekend.

They need four points from the remaining six games to claim their first league title in five years.

Head coach Dave Matsos told BBC Radio Sheffield that his players would be going all out to win it this weekend.

"It is a great chance for us because for the first time it is on our hands and we know if we can win these two tough games we also win the league."

He added: "Make no mistake about it, Nottingham and Newcastle will be going all out to make sure that we don't win it this weekend.

"Everyone would like to be party poopers, but we have to make sure we overcome that."

We have 120 minutes of hard ice hockey to play before we will start thinking about celebrations Dave Matsos

"I can't say enough about these players, ever since we took over the number one spot they have continued to work hard every single night and that is why we have been able to maintain that position at the top of the table," he said.

"This was always the aim when I was building the squad in the summer months and to be in touching distance is very exciting.

Matsos added: "I think it will be an amazing achievement for everybody at the club, but we are not getting ahead of ourselves.

"We have 120 minutes of hard ice hockey to play before we will start thinking about celebrations."

With the Steelers only four points from the title BBC Radio Sheffield's Seth Bennett gives his thoughts as to why they are on the verge of a title triumph:

"The Sheffield Steelers have led the way since November and have just not allowed themselves to lose in regulation time and that has allowed them to collect a lot of extra points.

There are no superstars on this team, just a lot of players willing to do their role for the team BBC Radio Sheffield's Seth Bennett

"The Steelers have been the most consistent side this year and there is no doubt in my mind that they deserve the title.

"Built on the solid foundations of goaltender Jody Lehman, who has had a terrific season, they have, in my opinion, the best defensive five in the league and that has been shown with the number of goals they have conceded.

"There are no superstars on this team, just a lot of players willing to do their role for the team.

"And in coach Dave Matsos they have cool, calm head who has this season had a supreme confidence that his players would deliver a league title and it looks like he will be right."

Nottingham Panthers are one of the sides that stand in their way, but BBC Radio Nottingham's Chris Ellis believes that even a Panthers win on Saturday will not deny the Steelers the title:

"Sheffield Steelers will be crowned Elite League champions at some stage in the next couple of weeks. The word I have used for them all season is 'efficient' - they don't tend to do things in spectacular fashion but they are a very well-organised team.

The Panthers players will want to delay the inevitable for just a little while longer BBC Radio Nottingham's Chris Ellis

"A major key for them was Jody Lehman having his best season in goal since his Grand Slam year with Coventry. Added to that the Steelers have had the best defence in the country by far.

"Much of their team has been together for three years now and there is that familiarity that Coventry have achieved in the last few years.

"That's another key to success in this league, and one I hope Nottingham will now follow with the early re-appointment of Corey Neilson.

"One thing's for sure, Nottingham will be doing everything in their power to stop Sheffield getting any closer to the title when the two sides meet at the National Ice Centre. The Panthers players will want to delay the inevitable for just a little while longer."

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