Posted on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 1:32 am
The LBM Belfast Giants made it a 4 point weekend after defeating the Nottingham Panthers on back to back nights at the Odyssey Arena. The wins get the Giants back on track allowing them to put more pressure on new leaders Coventry . This one was quite a chippy affair as Panthers were clearly smarting from their loss last night and referee Tom Darnell had a busy night, calling some 68 penalty minutes.
Both sides were out of their respective traps in some style and firstly George Awada (3rd) fired Giants ahead after only 1.03, only for Bruce Richardson (12th) to level on the powerplay at 2.46. It was Panthers firing more rubber on the home net but at 15.05 the home side hit the front again with EIHL top points grabber Colin Shields (34th) shooting and scoring.
The second period was up and down with both sides having opportunities but the single goal gave Giants some breathing space as Pat Bateman (22nd) fired home at 36.16.
Panthers attempted to pressure the home goal in the third period but this was a resolute Giants defence and there was simply no way through and at the end of the sixty minutes it was another two points for the Northern Irish side as they along with Panthers remain challengers to Coventry for league honours.
Period Scores: 2-1, 1-0, 0-0
Penalty Mins: Bel 41 – Not 27
Powerplay: Bel 0/6 – Not 1/8
Shots On: Stephen Murphy 39 – Kevin St Pierre 28
Referee: Tom Darnell
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
