Giants Pounce on Panthers in Overtime

Scott Conway gave the Giants the lead in the opening 20 minutes before Tim Doherty levelled the game through the first chance of the final period.

In over-time, Mike Lee made the Giants fans get up on their feet when he scored the winner at 62:17.

The result here and elsewhere now means that the Giants need to win in Nottingham tomorrow night or second place Sheffield Steelers have to lose at the Skydome for Adam Keefe's side to be crowned Elite League Champions

FIRST PERIOD

It was a frantic start to the game with Bobo Carpenter and Jordan Kawaguchi’s shots causing scrambles in the opening minutes.

Nottingham had opportunities of their own early on, with Tim Doherty sending his effort narrowly wide before Jackson Whistle was called into action to thwart Cooper Zech’s chance.

The Giants had the first powerplay of the game at 6:20 when Zech was called for hooking, but the home side couldn’t make the extra skater count.

However, they would break the deadlock with Scott Conway’s one-timer from J.J. Piccinich’s pass on the left flying past Jason Grande at 13:20 to give the Giants the lead. (1-0)

Conway had another great chance shortly after, but this time he couldn’t find a way past Grande in the Nottingham goal.

As the opening 20 minutes drew to a close, the busy netminder denied Mike Lee’s shot before Carpenter sent the rebound wide.

SECOND PERIOD

After the restart, Matt Alfaro’s shot was blocked as Nottingham looked for a leveller. They then went on the powerplay for the first time when Grant Mismash was penalised for delay of game.

With the extra skater, Mitch Fossier saw his effort denied by the crossbar, but the Giants were able to make the kill

Mark Cooper then found space and sent a shot just over the crossbar. Shortly after, Elijiah Barriga fired wide.

The Giants then had a huge chance to double their lead on the breakaway with Cooper unselfishly passing to Pierre-Olivier Morin, who was unlucky to not find the back of the net.

Adam Keefe’s side thought they had doubled their lead through Piccinich’s effort but, after the effort was reviewed, it was revealed that it hadn’t crossed the line.

In the final minute of the middle period Jackson Whistle made a crucial save to stop Quinn Wichers from levelling the game.

THIRD PERIOD

However, Nottingham did find an equaliser just 16 seconds into the final period when Tim Doherty’s shot from Matt Spencer’s pass found the back of the net. (1-1)

Cheered on by a boisterous support, the Giants upped the tempo with Morin sending an effort narrowly off target and Lee’s shot being collected by Jason Grande.

As both sides pushed for a goal, Sam Herr fired just over with the Giants then heading on the powerplay when Josh Tetlow was sent to the box for a check to the head. However Nottingham, once again, killed the penalty.

Danny Stewart’s side would have an extra skater themselves shortly after when Ben Lake was penalised for hooking, but they also couldn’t find a powerplay goal.

As the buzzer approached, Nottingham pulled Jason Grande with the Giants having multiple chances with the empty net, but they couldn’t convert one of them before end of regulation time.

OVERTIME

The Giants dominated overtime and netted the winner when Mike Lee, unassisted, fired high past Jason Grande. (2-1)

NEXT UP

It all now comes down to tomorrow, a huge game awaits the Giants when they face the Panthers on their home ice in the final league game of the season.

The Belfast Giants will return to The SSE Arena, Belfast for their final home game of the season on Saturday 12 April. Tickets are available here.