Posted on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Belfast had only lost once in their last twelve home games whilst Newcastle had lost their last 12 road games. Newcastle at one point were four down but clawed their way back into the game and ended up with the win after a shootout.
It was an extraordinary game to say the least, Newcastle only had nine skaters not even enough for two lines. Michel Robinson faced an incredible 72 shots whilst both Belfast goaltenders between them only faced 28 shots.
When Evan Cheverie (18th) opened the scoring for the hosts at 4.39 it was a case of how many will it be. They doubled their lead with a strike from Tom Walsh (6th) at 10.43 and then Cheverie (19th) with his second made it 3-0 at 15.20.
Within the first two minutes of the second period the home side were four in front as Colin Shields (33rd) found the net at 21.21. A strike from Ben Campbell (4th) at 22.34 looked as though it was no more than a consolation. But then Dean Holland (3rd) on the powerplay got a second for the Vipers at 26.41.
A powerplay goal from Tim Cook (8th) at 29.42 gave the Giants back a three goal lead. But then a shorthanded goal from Matic Kralj (16th) at 34.37 reduced the Giants lead back to two.
Going into the third period two ahead and with the Vipers only having the nine skaters it was thought that their legs would tire and the Giants would close up the game. But those gallant Vipers had other ideas.
They started the period with a 5 on 3 powerplay and made it count almost immediately as Ryan Mahrle (6th) netted at 40.38. Only a goal behind now and at 42.03 the comeback was complete as Jason Tejchma (23rd) netted a third powerplay goal.
Despite Belfast having 27 shots on Michel Robinson in the third period they couldn’t find a way past the impressive goaltender. With no further scoring the game went into overtime. Again the Vipers were heavily out shot in the overtime period, they managed only the one shot on the Belfast goal. Whilst the home side had nine shots on Robinson the Vipers goaltender gave up nothing.
So, after an incredible 65 minutes of hockey the game would be decided by a penalty shootout. The Giants were still having no luck in front of goal as they missed all three of their penalties. Newcastle failed with their first one but when Jason Tejchma netted with his effort the celebrations begun as the comeback was well and truly completed.
Period Scores: 3-0, 2-3, 0-2, 0-0, (0-1)
Penalty Mins: Bel 16 New 8
Powerplay: Bel 1/4 New – 3/3
Shots On: Stephen Murphy 12/Nathan Craze 16 – Michel Robinson 72
Referee: Michael Hicks
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
