Belfast Giants moved to within just a point of the top of the Elite League with a convincing win over Sheffield Steelers on Friday night.
It was the first game in the double-header this weekend, played in front of a 6,664-strong crowd at the SSE Arena.
The opening period was a story of odd-man rushes and excellent goaltending, which somehow ended with the teams splitting only two goals.
Ryan Tait almost put the Steelers ahead and then played a part in their go-ahead goal, seeing his initial shot blocked on a rush before it fell kindly to Mitchell Balmas to open the scoring with 6:27 played. The Steelers were certainly the stronger team in the opening stages, but the Giants came back and it was little surprise when they levelled. After several better chances to get on the board, the home side eventually did at 14:12 as Karl Boudrias’ shot went through a heavy screen and into the net, deflecting off a stick in front.
2:55 into period two, Ciaran Long pulled off an excellent between-the-legs move which saw his shot hit the post, but he got on his own rebound to put the Giants ahead. Sheffield threatened on a couple of rushes the other way, but would find themselves two down before long.
Mike Lee should have made it 3-1 when he took a pass in the slot, but namesake Greenfield got across his crease to make an excellent point-blank save to deny him. However, as play continued, Karl Boudrias drove the net and slotted past Greenfield with 3:09 left in the period.
David Goodwin made it four for the hosts 3:35 into period three, while in the closing stages of the game Greenfield took a minor for playing the puck outside of the trapezoid. Marcus Eriksson fired into the net off an excellent play to make it 5-1.
Photo: William Cherry
You must be logged in to post a comment.