Blaze Come Out on Top in Fiery Game in Belfast

First Period

The Giants got off to a perfect start with an early goal from P.O. Morin when he was first to react to a loose puck after Mat Robson saved from Mike Lee (1-0). Jordan Kawaguchi was involved in the build-up to that goal and he almost dangled through for a super goal but his shot rippled the side netting on five minutes.

The Giants doubled their lead shortly after from another rebound. This time, it was Ben Lake who snaffled up the puck after Grant Mismash’s shot was spilled (2-0) Coventry challenged the goal on the count of goalie interference but, after a lengthy consultation between the officials, the goal was confirmed, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Most inside the SSE Arena were less thrilled when it was Coventry who took advantage of a rebound when Chase Gresock poked home from close range (2-1). This came after Tom McCollum made a super save from Brandon Alderson.

Second Period

Much like the first, the Giants began the second period with a bang as Scott Conway scored a lovely solo goal to re-establish the two-goal lead (3-1). However, Coventry would not lie down and scored a nicely-worked goal of their own eight minutes later through Alessio Luciani via a lovely assist from Nick Seitz. (3-2). This back-and-forth nature of the game would continue as the visitors levelled for the first time on the night on the power play. With Kyle Osterberg taking a seat for a slashing call, it was Zach Heintz who got his name on the score sheet to send us into the second intermission all square (3-3).

Third Period

Having already punished the Giants’ power play, the Blaze came all the way back to take their first lead of the night thanks to a goal from Brandon Alderson. This came with Ben Lake in the box and completely turned the game on its head. (3-4). However, the raucous crowd inside the SSE Arena were on their feet seven minutes later as Belfast’s pressure finally paid off with a power play goal of their own. Having had a two-man advantage for a one minute spell, it looked as though the numerical advantage would go to waste but with mere seconds to go until the Blaze returned to full strength, Conway grabbed his second and his side’s fourth with a gorgeous roofer via an Elijiah Barriga assist. (4-4). However, just as many in the arena were bracing themselves for overtime, the Blaze made sure they would leave with maximum points without any more hockey. First Nick Seitz stunned the hosts with an unassisted goal after another superb McCollum save (4-5) before Luciani got his second with an empty-netter as the hosts went for broke. (4-6).

Next Up

The Belfast Giants are on their travels with three Elite League road games in a row, starting with a visit to the Motorpoint Arena to face Nottingham Panthers on Saturday 20 October at 4pm. Next weekend, they visit Guildford on Saturday 26^th October and Coventry on Sunday 27^th October. Adam Keefe’s men return home for the Halloween game on Wednesday 30^th October against Glasgow Clan in the Challenge Cup. Tickets available here.