Sheffield 2-3 Belfast

Robert Dowd gave the Giants the lead in Sheffield

Belfast Giants stretched their lead at the top of the Elite League to eight points after beating closest challengers Sheffield in a shoot-out.

Robert Dowd put the Giants ahead late in the first period but Jason Hewitt levelled before Jon Pelle restored the lead for the visitors.

Lee Esders equalised for the Steelers with just four minutes left.

The game went to a shoot-out and Craig Peacock scored the winner while Stephen Murphy made three saves for Belfast.