Belfast Giants 
The Stena Line Belfast Giants lost out to the Cardiff Devils in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Trailing 1-0 from last week’s 1st leg in Belfast – the Giants fell 4-0 in Wednesday’s 2nd leg. The defeat ends an impressive run with the Giants last defeat in a Challenge Cup knockout round back in 2017.
Goals from Dixon, Duggan, Martin and Batch gave the Devils an important home win and they now advance to the Semi-Final with both sides going head-to-head again this Saturday in Belfast.
Shane Owen started in the Belfast net, posting 33 saves, with the Giants missing Kevin Raine and Patryk Wronka.
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Devils At The Double
With the Devils leading 1-0 on aggregate, the first goal in Wednesday’s 2nd leg would be all important. With Ciaran Long sitting out a hooking penalty – Sean Bentivoglio setup Stephen Dixon for a finish in the crease on at 8:48.
Sam Duggan doubled the Devils lead on the night at 14:37 after Josh Batch’s pinpoint pass.
Cardiff Take Control
The Devils extended their lead early in the middle period when Joey Martin, assisted by Masi Marjamaki, fired home shorthanded at 21:47.
With Stephen Dixon knocking Paul Swindlehurst to the ice behind the net, Matt Pelech took exception and dropped the gloves with Mark Louis at 30:30.
Cardiff made it 4-0 on aggregate at 36:12 through Josh Batch as they took a commanding lead on the quarter final.
Cardiff Round Off Cup Win
The Giants came flying out of the blocks in the final period, however they were unable to find a way past Bowns in the Cardiff goal and the Devils advanced to the Semi-Final.
Final Score
Cardiff Devils 4-0 Stena Line Belfast Giants
Next Up?
Next up for the Giants is Saturday in Belfast with an Elite League clash against the Cardiff Devils, face-off 7pm at The SSE Arena. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.ie.