Giants Take Flight With Comeback Win

First Period

The Giants started the game on a very positive footing with plenty of pucks on net but a combination of Flyers net minder Janis Voris and the side netting kept them at bay. There were good chances for Grant Mismash and JJ Piccinich in front of the net but they couldn’t finish them off and it was the visitors who took the lead on 06:35 thanks to Phelix Martineau. That came about after a pair of Giants misjudged a puck behind the net and Michael Cichyput it on a plate for Martineau to finish from close-range. (0-1)

The visitors made it two just after the midway point of the first period when James Spence bundled a rebound over the line after Jackson Whistle had made a good stop from Tyler Heidton 12:07 (0-2).

Second Period

The second period looked as though it was going to be a frustrating one for the hosts but a late flurry ensured that we would head into the second intermission on an even footing. First, on 33:30, JJ Piccinich continued his excellent run of form of late as he rifled home a beautifully-threaded Scott Conway pass from a narrow angle. That is the New Jersey native’s fifth goal in his last three outings and halved the deficit (1-2).

Both sides had been well-disciplined but the first penalty of the night went the way of Fife’s Martin Latal on 38:08 for hooking and the hosts took advantage with time almost up. Gabe Bast picked up a Jordan Kawaguchi pass and sent a bullet of a shot into the net through a crowd of bodies. (2-2) That goal came with just eleven seconds to go until the buzzer and set up a tantalising third.

Third Period

That third period was blown wide open just 01:19 after the restart when Mark Cooper rifled home another perfect pass from Scott Conway. (3-2). This gave the hosts confidence and, after another Fife penalty, they opened up a two-goal lead when Conway went from provider to scorer with a lovely finish on 49:40 (4-2).

Things would get slightly chaotic after this when, after a mad scramble in the crease, the Giants celebrated a goal. Fife challenged this decision with their goalie Voris’ stick going airborne and questions as to whether the puck actually crossed the line. After a long review, a goal was given and it was credited to Elijiah Barriga. He will certainly have scored prettier goals but the Californian forward won’t care! (5-2).

Ben Lake was given a five-minute penalty for a boarding call after a big hit on Martineau and the man on the receiving end would take advantage with his second his team’s third with just over a minute remaining. (5-3)

However, a consolation is all that it turned out to be as the Giants came out on top 5-3 ahead of tomorrow’s visit of the Dundee Stars.

Next Up

The Stena Line Belfast Giants return to their home ice tomorrow, Sunday 3 November in a Challenge Cup match against Dundee Stars. That game starts at 4pm and you can get tickets here.