Posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
The Coors Belfast Giants were dealt a massive blow to their title hopes when a last minute goal by Ryan Finnerty saw both points head home with Dave Matsos’ men to increase the Steelers lead over the Giants to 10 points.
Solid performances in net from both Stevie Lyle and Jody Lehman saw a goalless opening period despite Giants outshooting Steelers by 15 to 8 with both sides missing out on a couple of powerplay opportunities but early in the second period period Giants took the lead with a powerplay goal by Bobby Robins (23rd of the season) timed at 22.57 and they held that lead until the end of the session while still having more of the chances.
Into the third period and it was the visitors on the scoreboard with Brad Cruikshank (21st) tying the game at 45.51. Both sides went close after that as the game could have gone either way but once again it was Steelers who found a way to win when with only 59 seconds remaining Ryan Finnerty (12th) hit what could turn out to be one of the most important goals scored by his team this season.
Period Scores: 0-0, 1-0, 0-2
Penalty Mins: Bel 14 – She 12
Powerplay: Bel 1/6 – She 1/7
Shots On: Stevie Lyle 27 – Jody Lehman 42
Referee: Dean Smith
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
