Posted on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
The first Rapid Solicitors Elite League game to be covered live on Sky Sports this season provided a low-scoring contest with a controversial ending as a hotly disputed strike by Jeff Legue gave Steelers the extra point in overtime – this after Ashley Tait had tied the game inside the final minute to deny Giants the regulation win.
Giants had led since 12.43 of the opening period when Jon Pelle was allowed the time and space in the slot to fire past Jon De Caro in the home goal and with the visiting goaltender Stephen Murphy and his defence in great form it seemed all the home efforts would be in vain with no fewer than 8 home powerplay opportunities going abegging.
But Giants switched off with only 42 seconds remaining when Tait was left alone in front to convert a Ryan Finnerty pass and his goal sent the game into overtime.
Only 40 seconds in and Legue finished superbly on what looked like a suspiciously offside play to give Steelers the extra point but Giants frustrations led to a match penalty on Aaron Clarke as the home celebrations carried on.
Period Scores: 0-1, 0-0, 1-0, 1-0
Penalty Mins: She 6 – Bel 51
Powerplay: She 0/8 – Bel 0/3
Shots On: John DeCaro 28 – Stephen Murphy 35
Referee: Andy Carson
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
