Glasgow Clan made their first Playoff Finals Weekend since 2014 with a dramatic shootout winer over Belfast Giants, going through 3-2 on aggregate after the game ended 2-1 to Glasgow on the night and forced sudden death.
“I’m so proud of these guys,” began Clan forward Brady Risk. “Throughout the whole week we had belief, we knew what we had to do and I felt like we had so many chances last night. To do it here, at home, just wow. We want to continue that momentum next weekend!”
The opening period was tightly contested as Glasgow Clan pushed to overturn the aggregate deficit, with an early power play coming from a hooking call on Bo Hanson, but no breakthrough for either side. Sami Aittokallio started for Clan opposite Jake Kupsky for Belfast, with both netminders holding firm in a scoreless first frame.
Clan struck first through Brady Risk early in the second period. A slashing penalty on Brandon Whistle then allowed Tristin Langan to double the lead on the powerplay, firing a one-timer from the top of the slot following a pass from Brett Neumann.
Belfast responded through Mike Lee to cut the deficit and leave the tie finely poised heading into the third.
“I felt like we had the momentum the majority of the night,” added Risk. “When they had their push, when they got through us, Sami made some big saves and then came up big in the shootout as well.”
Neither side could find a winner in the third period, despite chances at each end. Neumann, in particular, having several opportunities but each time deined by Kupsky.
Overtime saw both goaltenders come up with key saves to keep the tie level.
The series was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Mick Messner and Neumann scored in the opening two rounds with Belfast only able to score through JJ Piccinich. Brandon Whistle had to score with the final should of the fifth round, but when Sami Aittokallio showed off the puck in his glove it was Glasgow who went through!
Photo: Ryan Fleming
