Guildford Flames picked up a crucial win in the race for fifth place with a 6-2 road victory over league champions Belfast Giants.
The Flames led after the opening period, capitalising on a turnover in the Giants’ zone as Jack Jacome’s pass was deflected home by Tyler Busch at 17:47.
Belfast levelled early in the second through Reid Irwin at 23:26, but Guildford responded strongly with two powerplay goals. Josh Waller restored the lead at 33:14 with a shot through traffic, before Busch grabbed his second of the night, tipping in Waller’s pass at 37:43.
Guildford extended their advantage just 60 seconds into the third period, with Mathieu Gosselin’s skill setting up Josh Nixon to make it 4-1. David Goodwin pulled one back for the Giants at 44:48 after good work from JJ Piccinich, but the Flames quickly regained control as Waller finished on the rush less than 90 seconds later.
Waller completed his hat trick into the empty net with 1:37 remaining to seal an important victory for the visitors.
Photo: William Cherry
