GIANTS OUTSHINE STARS IN BELFAST
The Belfast Giants extended their unbeaten run to seven games after defeating the Dundee Stars 3-1 at The SSE Arena, Belfast. Goals from Marcus Eriksson, David Goodwin, and Nicolas Guay gave Adam Keefe’s side a well-earned victory in front of another sold-out home crowd.
First Period
While the Stars had the first clear-cut chance of the game, it was the Giants that took an early lead after Marcus Eriksson’s shot clattered into the roof of Jarrett Fiske’s net to put the home side one up after just two minutes (1-0).
Not to be bested twice in quick succession, Fiske made a fine save shortly after, tipping Mike Lee’s goal bound effort over the bar. His counterpart at the other end, Jackson Whistle, pulled off a solid save of his own to prevent Kameron Kielly from squaring the game.
Following a sustained period of pressure, the Giants were rewarded for their patience. After some impressive work on the boards by Karl Boudrias, David Goodwin’s one-timer nestled into the corner of the Dundee net to double the advantage after 15 minutes (2-0).
The Stars would have no doubt halved the deficit in the final few moments of the period if not for a crucial save by Jackson Whistle to deny Quinn Ryan in front of goal.
Second Period
Starting the second period on the power play, the Stars came close to pulling a goal back after Otto Nieminen’s effort called Jackson Whistle into action, but the Giants number one stood firm between the pipes.
Soon after, it was Jarrett Fiske’s turn to keep his team in the game, batting away J.J. Piccinich’s on target attempt. Jonathan McBean then took the puck down the other end of the ice, only to see his shot smothered by Jackson Whistle.
In a 20 minutes defined by many shots but few clear opportunities, Nicolas Guay and Marcus Eriksson also saw attempts saved towards the end of the period.
Third Period
The Giants came out the gates the faster of the two teams, with Nicolas Guay’s bar down goal extending the host’s lead to three inside the opening 90 seconds of the period (3-0).
The woodwork almost assisted the Giants for a second time as Brandon Whistle saw his shot ricochet off Fiske’s crossbar.
The older of the two Whistle brothers was then called into action, producing a big save to deny Jonathan McBean for the second time in the game.
Dundee’s attacking efforts came good soon after. Morten Jurgens netted his fifth goal of the season for the Stars, cutting the Giants’ lead to two with five minutes to go (3-1).
Karl Boudrias almost added to his points tally in the final moments of the game, only to be denied by a strong save by Jarrett Fiske.
Up Next
The Giants round out the weekend on the road to Manchester Storm at Planet Ice Altrincham, before returning to The SSE Arena, Belfast to take on the Coventry Blaze on Friday 30 January. Tickets are on sale now and available to purchase here.