Jackson Whistle stopped all 28 shots he faced as Belfast Giants claimed an important 3-0 home Challenge Cup win over Glasgow Clan, moving back to the top of Group B.
The Giants outshot the Clan 14-2 in the opening period, but both teams went to the first intermission scoreless. Sami Aittokallio made several excellent saves, including a key stop to deny David Goodwin, to keep the game level after 20 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came with 7:30 to play in period two when Ciaran Long set up JJ Piccinich at the point to fire past Aittokallio for the opener. Just 57 seconds later, the Clan were caught on a 3-on-2 break, and Ryan Smith finished off a perfect pass from Brandon Whistle to double Belfast’s advantage.
Clan were unable to find a way past Whistle in the final period, and with six seconds remaining, Smith hit the empty net to secure the shutout win and two vital Cup points for the Giants.
Photo: William Cherry