Ice hockey: Capitals end the season on a bittersweet note

Published on Monday 30 March 2009 09:57

JASON CASSELLS rued what might have been but for a nightmare short spell at Sheffield Steelers on Friday night.

Last night, Capitals saved possibly their best performance of the season until last as they edged the newly-crowned Elite League champions 5-4 in the play-off quarter-final, second-leg.

Sadly, Friday's 8-2 defeat left Capitals with too much to do, but their barnstorming display had the 740 fans on their feet and Capitals finished this season where they started on a high by beating the Steelers.

Cassells was not a part of the team which sent shockwaves through the league with a 3-1 win at The House of Steel on Saturday, September 6.

He arrived just before the transfer deadline but the former English Division One player has claimed six goals in 18 games, including a dandy double last night.

Toronto-born Cassells has proved a valuable addition to the side and his second goal last night proved the match-winner. He said: "I don't score too many goals and it's great to get two. Frankly, we had a bit of an uphill climb to make after Friday.

"The guys played for each other, as we always do, and we also played for the fans who have been with us this season.

"We desperately wanted to finish on a positive note and the victory against the new league champions did that for us."

It was Capitals' first Elite League play-off victory and the lively hitman argued that the Edinburgh outfit did not play badly in Sheffield.

"We had a lot of penalties," admitted the Canadian. "They cost us and so did the three late goals in the second period after we had battled back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2.

"The goals, and particularly the one two seconds from the second break, really hurt us. My phrase to the guys before the game last night was that we had dug ourselves a really deep hole in Sheffield and it was up to us to get a really big shovel and to dig ourselves out of it.

"We went on the ice in Edinburgh determined to play with pride. I believe we did that. Sheffield were not messing around last night. They didn't take their foot off the gas ahead of Saturday's play-off semi-final.

"They went in hard and they proved they are a very good team from the goaltending to the forwards. However, we beat them and that says a lot for the character of the guys at this club."

Cassells added: "We've a great group of 18-20 guys who like each other. I've really enjoyed my spell here. Playing with the likes of Martin Cingel and Mark Hurtubise has been great and there are really good players in this team. Now, I'm going home for a rest and to get a suntan. I've not seen much sun since I've been here."

Reflecting on his double last night he said: "The second goal was one of the easier ones I've scored but, I suppose, I was Johnny on the spot and it helped improve our late season record which is impressive."

The match-winner came less than four minutes from time following a bout of sustained pressure.

It was set up by hard-working defenceman Sean Perkins, who was again influential, and Adam Stefishen, who may have played his last game as a professional.

Their spade work pulled Sheffield's highly-rated hot-stop Jody Lehman out of position and that left a huge gap which Cassells found.

Earlier, Capitals took the game to Sheffield. Their high-tempo approach got the fans right behind them and Capitals were rewarded after 15 minutes when Doug Christiansen, the club's director of hockey, fired them ahead.

Sheffield replied through Jeff Legue eight minutes later and Rob Dowd stunned the home crowd with the visitors' second three minutes later.

Capitals claimed a power play strike two minutes after that with Christiansen on the mark but the home side went behind again when Ryan Finnerty converted after 32 minutes.

Cingel, again on the power play, tied things up in the 36th minute and Capitals then fired two straight to take control.

Cassells netted in the 48th minute and again after 56 minutes only for Legue to claim his second on the power play with just over two nervy minutes left.

Sheffield, the play-off champions, march on to Saturday's play-off semi-final clash against Cardiff Devils (1pm) while Coventry Bees face Nottingham Panthers (5pm), with both ties at Nottingham.

Cassells said it was a bittersweet night but added: "I've only been here for around three months but we're undoubtedly progressing as a club and, hopefully, I can get a job back in Britain next year. We'll have to wait and see."