Belfast Giants made it four points out of four in their weekend home double-header against Sheffield Steelers, but it was an intense and nervy affair for both teams as they played 65 minutes of hockey without a goal in front of over 6,500 fans at the SSE Area.
The Steelers survived an early penalty on Matt Petgrave as the hosts outshot their opponents 16 to 4 but without a breakthrough.
The Steelers killed off two second-period penalties, including some 5-on-3 time, to get through the middle period all square, but gradually grew back into the game.
Period three was a stop-start affair with both sides mindful of what was on the line as the game went on scoreless longer. Despite outshooting the Giants 10-5, the Steelers couldn’t find a breakthrough either and the game headed into overtime.
Overtime was arguably the Tyler Beskorowany show as he pulled off saves to deny Petgrave on the breakaway and Martin Látal on a 2-on-1 among other chances as the Steelers created the better opportunities during 3-on-3.
In the shootout, Ben Lake’s goal on the opening shot gave the Giants a lead they wouldn’t give up. Scott Conway made it 2-0 in Round 3, and although Brendan Connolly finally beat Beskorowany in round 3, Brett Neumann’s miss in the fifth meant the hosts claimed the bonus point.
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