SKIPPER Jonathan Phillips will be more than happy if Steelers 'win ugly' tonight.
He won't care a jot if the side fails to sparkle like they did in last Saturday's 4-1 home win over Coventry Blaze, as long as they return from this evening's match at Belfast Giants with both points.
"We dominated the Coventry game and then went to Cardiff Devils the following night and didn't play great, but carved out a win" says Phillips.
"I think it is important if your team can get the points even when they are not hitting peak form and that's what I'd settle for tonight.
"Cardiff really gave it to us last Sunday and perhaps we got something out of the game we shouldn't have. But that's what good teams do...you have a bad patch and still get two points."
Phillips said the willingness of forwards to back-track and assist defencemen has been a turning point of their campaign.
"Forwards are not doing too much offensively, either. They will dump the puck in there and go and get it, it is simple but we are a simple team.
"We have a pretty intense penalty kill, so much so that guys should only be out there 15-20 seconds and then change for someone fresher.
"We are not running out of steam or getting caught out of position like we have in the past."
On Saturday, Steelers are back at Sheffield Arena for a battle with the most physical team in the league Newcastle Vipers.
Their player coach Rob Wilson sets the example by leading the team in penalty minutes with 110.
"Intimidation will not be a factor against Newcastle or anybody else, I think we have proved that already" said Phillips.
Vipers take more penalties than anybody, averaging 33 minutes a game, compared to Sheffield's 22.
That could present an opportunity to Sheffield, who score 22 per cent of their Power Plays, ranking alongside Belfast's special teams.
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