Belfast Giants David Rutherford celebrates scoring against Sheffield Steelers during Saturday nights Elite Ice Hockey League game at the SSE Arena, Belfast
The Stena Line Belfast Giants avenged defeat on Friday with a 5-1 win over the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night in Belfast.
The notable Jackson Whistle, who stopped 30 of 31 shots, Jonathan Ferland’s goal and two apiece for Colin Shields & David Rutherford gave the Giants the two Elite League points.
Despite both Spiro Goulakos and Sebastien Sylvestre suspended as well as Dustin Johner, Stephen Murphy and Mark Garside missing through injury, the Giants were impressive throughout on Saturday in front of a packed SSE Arena.
The Giants move above the Steelers into second place with 43 points from 32 games – five points behind the Cardiff Devils who have 48 points from 31 games.
Giants Take Control In Opening Period
Two first period powerplay goals inside 21 seconds gave the Giants a stranglehold in the game. Colin Shields struck first at 9:51, assisted by Cole Jarrett and Brendan Connolly before David Rutherford doubled the hosts’ lead at 10:12, assisted by Blair Riley and Darcy Murphy.
The Belfast dominance continued as Jonathan Ferland made it 3-0 at 12:54, assisted by Colin Shields and Brendan Connolly. Shields’ assist brought up the impressive milestone of the forward’s 600th point as a Giant.
Four-midable Rutherford Strikes Again
David Rutherford added to his and the Giants’ tally at 29:09, assisted by Blair Riley and Darcy Murphy as the home side took a 4-0 lead.
Giants Close Out Steelers
Ben O’Connor pulled one back for the visitors with a powerplay goal at 47:14, assisted by Matt Marquardt and Andreas Valdix.
Colin Shields restored the Giants four goal advantage at 58:54 when he pounced on a loose puck to slam home, assisted by Steve Saviano and Brendan Connolly, and round off the game’s scoring.
Final Score:
Stena Line Belfast Giants 5-1 Sheffield Steelers
Giants Man of the Match:
#19 Colin Shields (2 Goals + 1 Assist & 601 total points as a Giant)
Next Up?
The Giants are next in action on Tuesday night – the Challenge Cup Quarter Final 2nd Leg against the Fife Flyers with the tie finely poised at 3-3. Face-off is 7pm at The SSE Arena.
Tickets are now on sale online at ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Arena Box Office either in person or by calling (028) 9073 9074.
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