Manchester Storm became the first team to beat Belfast Giants as the newly crowned league champions, securing a 4-3 victory on Sunday night at the Shelter to move back into fifth place.
Storm made a perfect start, opening the scoring just 28 seconds into the first period when Stephen Johnson finished five-hole. The hosts doubled their lead at 13:34 through Chase Harrison, who fired home a one-timer.
Belfast pulled one back late in the opening period, with JJ Piccinich scoring at 17:24 after Storm lost the puck in the offensive zone, allowing him in on a breakaway.
Manchester restored their two-goal advantage early in the second period, as Brandon Cutler capitalised on a defensive turnover at 21:15.The Giants then turned the game around with two quick goals in the middle frame. Jake Gaudet levelled at 24:17 before Carsen Twarynski gave the visitors the lead at 26:25 after a defenceman toe-picked at the offensive blue line, allowing him to skate through and finish.
The decisive moment came at 50:28, when Brendan Clavelle scored to put Storm back ahead.
Alex Caffi was pulled from the Giants’ net with 95 seconds remaining, but Belfast were unable to find a late equaliser as Manchester secured a crucial two points in the race for playoff seeding.
Photo: Mark Ferris
