Ice Hockey: Laniel strikes twice to lift slumbering Steelers

Sheffield Steelers, the Superleague leaders, beat the London Knights 5-2 at home on Sunday to win for just the second time in five games.

Sean Blanchard gave London an early lead, but Mark Laniel and Jeff Brown put the Steelers in front. Rich Bronilla pulled the visiting side level, but further goals from Laniel, Rhett Gordon and Kent Simpson made sure of the points.

Nottingham Panthers remain four points behind the Steelers in second place after beating the Belfast Giants 3-2 at the Odyssey Arena. The Giants, who had beaten the Panthers in 10 of their previous 11 meetings at home, took an early lead through Kevin Riehl, but goals from Greg Hadden and Lee Jinman silenced the Irish crowd. Rob Stewart drew Belfast level, before Hadden scored the winner for the Panthers with 30 minutes to play. It was only Nottingham's second away win in seven games.