Giants' Winning Run Ended as Blaze Split Double-Header

Despite Gabe Bast's 5-on-3 powerplay goal at the end of the first period, Adam Keefe's side were undone by a double from Blaze debutant Tyler Kirkup and an excellent performance from visiting netminder Miklós Rajna, who turned away 32 shots.

FIRST PERIOD

The Blaze wasted no time in pulling ahead as Jack Billings struck just 47 seconds into the game, the forward fishing the puck out of a scrum at the crease and putting it past the unsighted Tyler Beskorowany. (0-1)

And quickly the visitors' lead was doubled at 4:49, Kirkup with his first of the game as he went on a two-on-one breakaway with J.D. Dudek but supplied the finish himself from the right circle. (0-2)

The Giants were looking rather flat-footed, with their best chance falling to Matt McLeod, who stepped inside from the left circle and fired just wide, but the momentum shifted when Kim Tallberg was given a five-minute major for boarding and Alexander Kuqali was boxed for delay of game.

And it was on the 5-on-3 that Bast got the home side on the board, the defenceman skating forward and ripping one into the top corner from the top of the right circle at 18:22. (1-2)

SECOND PERIOD

Having scored on the 5-on-3 at the end of the first period, the Giants would be handed another momentum boost as they killed off their own two-man disadvantage as Ciaran Long was sent to the bin for delay of game and then Bast took his own five-minute boarding penalty.

But with Dudek (slashing) and Scott Conway (high sticking) off the ice at the same time, it was the Blaze who grabbed their third goal of the game 4-on-4, Kirkup making his a double as his shot was deflected and trickled under the pads of Beskorowany at 32:54. (1-3)

The Giants were handed an opportunity to get back within a goal heading at the second intermission when Nathanael Halbert was called for roughing, but once again the powerplay came up empty to keep them two goals back.

THIRD PERIOD

Captain David Goodwin was presented with a glorious opportunity to grab an early goal in the third when he intercepted a slack pass in the Blaze zone and skated in on Rajna, but the Hungarian was able to make the save.

The Blaze nearly added a fourth goal when a sharp angled shot came back off the frame of the goal, while at the other end Bast nearly doubled his tally on the powerplay - Dudek off for tripping - but his shot also pinged off the post.

Instead, Coventry were able to close things out, the Giants still unable to beat Rajna again despite pulling Beskorowany for the extra skater as Keefe's side were beaten for the first time since January 20.

UP NEXT

The Stena Line Belfast Giants are away to Sheffield and Manchester next weekend in more Viaplay Elite Ice Hockey League action, but retrun home to The SSE Arena, Belfast on 18 and 19 March for a Cardiff Devils home double-header. Tickets are available here!