Giants Overturn Early Deficit to Win in Glasgow

Adam Keefe’s side return home to The SSE Arena, Belfast for a Sunday showdown with the Cardiff Devils.

FIRST PERIOD

Belfast were denied two opportunities throughout the opening ten. Firstly by the crossbar, as a Ciaran Long backhand effort bounced up over the glass, and secondly, by another sterling save from Clan goalie John Muse who turned away Gabe Bast’s shot.

The Giants' first power play (Mitch Jones, roughing, 9:18) was cut short when captain David Goodwin was sent for tripping, leaving the sides at 4 on 4 for 44 seconds before Glasgow took to the power play.

A shot from Sam Ruopp snapped his stick in front of Muse, leading to a Clan breakaway in the dying minutes of the period. Mitch Jones’ puck to Mathieu Roy at the crease was tucked past Giants goalie Peyton Jones to hand the hosts the lead at 18:13. (1-0)

SECOND PERIOD

Mark Cooper’s shot 5 minutes into the period bounced off the post before being frozen by a sprawling Muse at the line. Adam Keefe called for a video review, but the referees judged the puck to be behind the line.

Belfast pressed, eager for their equaliser. They didn’t have to wait long, as sublime interplay in tight space in the zone saw David Goodwin lay the puck up to Scott Conway who flicked home at 27:07. (1-1)

The Giants looked to be heading onto the power play just over the half-hour mark, but a bizarre goal saw Scott Conway’s shot deflect off Ben Lake on the delayed call at 31:01. (1-2)

Good movement in the zone contributed to Belfast’s third, as Darik Angeli pulled the trigger from the right circle at 38:21. (1-3)

THIRD PERIOD

The Giants capitalised on an early 5 on 3 power play as Steve McParland (delay of game, 40:45) followed Gary Haden (boarding, 40:31) to the Glasgow penalty box.

Scott Conway wasted no time, bagging his second over Muse’s blocker at 41:27. (1-4)

Moments later, there was a collective gasp from the home fans in attendance as Mathieu Roy was denied by Giants goalie Peyton Jones on the one-on-one breakaway.

Gabe Bast’s tripping penalty just over 10 minutes from time was no trouble to the Giants' penalty kill unit on only their second outing of the game.

They did it again two minutes later as Bast returned to the box for interference, and it was only a stunning stop from Muse, which prevented Conway’s hat trick goal.

UP NEXT

Your Stena Line Belfast Giants return home to The SSE Arena, Belfast on Sunday afternoon for a showdown with the Cardiff Devils in ViaPlay Elite League action. Tickets for the 4:00pm face off are on sale HERE!