Belfast were beaten for only the second time in the Elite League this season as they lost 2-1 to the Sheffield Steelers.
The win sees the home side move to just one point behind the pace-setters, although Belfast have two games in hand.
Second-bottom Edinburgh Capitals picked up only their second win of the campaign with a 5-2 triumph over third-bottom Fife Flyers.
Elsewhere, Dundee Stars beat Hull Stingrays 2-1 following a penalty shootout.
