Flames extinguish Giants in Guildford

The Belfast Giants lost 2-1 on the road in an Elite League clash with the Guildford Flames on Sunday evening in the first meeting between the two sides this season.

First Period

The hosts had the first chance of the game when Ethan Strang saw his effort stopped by the blocker of Alexis Gravel. Those two would meet again soon after with the same outcome but not before Scott Conway forced the first save of the night from Justin Fazio. Mike Lee then made a crucial block on a Mathieu Gosselin effort while Reid Irwin had space at the other end but ripped his shot wide. Jack Jacome whiffed on a puck in front of the net before Ben Lake almost tipped home Brandon Whistle’s shot just before the buzzer but for a superb reaction save by Fazio.

Second Period

Adam Keefe’s men started the second with a bang as they opened the scoring less than two minutes after the restart. It was JJ Piccinich who got his second of the weekend as he was on hand to sweep home after Jake Gaudet had made a nuisance of himself in front of the net (0-1).

However, the hosts struck back as, with Whistle serving a penalty for tripping, Gosselin gave Gravel no chance with a rocket of a one-timer (1-1). The two teams continued to trade blows throughout the period as Gaudet, Lee and Jordan Kawaguchi were all denied for the Giants before Ryan Smith rattled the post on the powerplay.

Paul Dixon’s men would have chances of their own with former Giant Lewis Hook firing over before Jamal Watson rippled the side netting of Gravel’s goal. Despite another man advantage, Adam Keefe’s men could not capitalise with Nicolas Guay coming closest as we went into the second intermission tied at one.

Third Period

The third was a slow burner with both sides looking tense and cagey. Piccinich had the first chance after a nice set-up from behind the net by Kawaguchi but a Guildford stick got in the way. Karl Boudrias then arrived late at the back post but was denied by Fazio while Kawaguchi tipped wide.

While the visitors killed a penalty served by Boudrias, they were called for too many men on the ice soon after with David Goodwin the one sitting for it. This would prove costly as, after going five-out-of-five on the penalty kill on Saturday night, Adam Keefe’s men were picked off again down a man as Jacome beat Gravel. (2-1).

Despite some late pressure including efforts from Boudrias and Ciaran Long, it wasn’t to be the Giants’ night as they fell to their first Elite League defeat of the season.

Up Next

The Giants get back on home ice on Wednesday night (29^th October) as they clash with the Cardiff Devils for the first time this season. It is sure to be a mouth-watering clash and you can grab your tickets here.