Posted on Sunday, February 14th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
For the first time this season Belfast got the upper hand over Coventry on home ice. Having lost their three previous encounters this was a huge win for the Belfast side as it keeps the destination of the league title, still in the melting pot.
Almost 5000 were there to witness Giants triumph over league leaders Blaze and to cut the deficit to three points. With both teams still to face each other twice more, albeit on Coventry ice, the league title is far from over.
Little between the teams in the first session with the home side having a slight edge with the only goal of the period coming from Jeff Szwez (27th) at 16.06 to give the Giants a one goal lead.
It was still very even in the second period as both teams created chances and both goaltenders coming up with big saves. Just before halfway it was game on again as Greg Chambers (26th) made it 1-1 at 29.47 with a powerplay goal. At this point it looked as though it would be all square going into the third period but then Pat Bateman (24th) on the powerplay at 38.57 netted what turned out to be the game winner.
Neither team was giving anything away in the third session. Coventry called a time out at 56.26 and then pulled goaltender Peter Hirsch at 58.50 in an attempt to send the game into overtime but the hosts held firm to claim a vital win over their challengers.
Period Scores: 1-0, 1-1, 0-0
Penalty Mins: Bel 14 Cov 14
Powerplay: Bel 1/7 Cov – 1/7
Shots On: Stephen Murphy 29 – Peter Hirsch 34
Referee: Dean Smith
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
