NOTTINGHAM, UK – It was a battle between the 2nd and 4th place in the league; between the Challenge Cup semi-finalists and those who knocked them out to make the final; between Celtic cousins in Northern Ireland and those in Wales; between Goliath and St. David.
The Belfast Giants in their tenth season as a franchise faced the Cardiff Devils, the only team to have made it to the final weekend of each of the seven Elite League Playoff Championships. While the Giants may have received the most accolades this season, with British Netminder Stephen Murphy being voted as British Player of the Year and his team mate Colin Shields picking up Player of the Year, the Devils could not be overlooked, already having beaten the Giants in the semi final of the Challenge Cup this year. Cardiff also had the upper hand in playoff contests, winning 5 to the Giants 1.
It was the Giants who made the strongest start, looking promising for the first five minutes of the game. Both sides were rotating three lines which was surprising given that Belfast have predominantly played with two offensive lines. After five minutes the Devils stepped up their physical play, finishing hits and encouraging forward Ryan Finnerty to antagonise the Giants defence.
As the period continued the action flowed from end to end with both sides having genuine opportunities to score, both British netminders pulled out some first class saves to keep the game goal-less. Referee Hanson took a liberal stance by only calling four minor penalties in what was a hard-hitting, physical stanza of playoff hockey.
Giants once again began the period on top and Brandon Benedict fired home the games first goal only a minute into the second. Belfast then increased their lead to 2 at the mid point of the game with a strike from veteran George Awada. Matt Miller, who had been in the penalty box for both of the Giants’ goals was visibly disappointed that his transgressions had led to his side being two goals behind. However, he did not have to wait long as Max Birbraer fired home an immediate reply less than 30 seconds later. Five minutes later, on form Birbraer fired a one-timer for his second of the game, his 34th goal of the season to the obvious delight of the Devils bench and supporters.
Giants again started the brighter of the two teams and Jeff Szwez had a clear-cut opportunity at 41 minutes however he was unable to beat Cardiff Player of the Year Stevie Lyle. Belfast continued in the ascendency and Craig Peacock attempted a wrap-around nearly paying off after 48 minutes of the action.
With the game being tied at 2, ten minutes of overtime was to be played. Thornton and Awada were combining well for Belfast, however Giants did take their time to make plays which suggested they were more than happy to take penalty shots. After overtime failed to separate the two teams, the ice was partially re-surfaced in preparation for a penalty shootout.
Man of the Match Max Birbraer was the first Devil to take a shot, however GB international Stephen Murphy was equal to the forward’s attempt. Neither side could convert any of their initial three penalty shots which led to Evan Cheverie and Max Birbraer making their second dash from the red line. Birbraer’s shot was beaten away, however Evan Cheverie scored his second game-winning penalty shot of the season which fired the Giants to Elite League Playoff glory in 2010.
Shots on Stephen Murphy – 36 Shots on Stevie Lyle – 38
Man of the Match for Cardiff Devils – Max Birbraer Man of the Match for Belfast Giants – Brandon Benedict
Contact the writers
victoria.silverwood@prohockeynews.com chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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