The Stena Line Belfast Giants lost out 3-2 to the Sheffield Steelers on Friday night in Belfast. In the first of two games in as many nights between these two sides, it was the visitors who took the points in an ill-tempered clash at The SSE Arena.
The feisty Elite League game saw Spiro Goulakos drop the gloves with Sheffield’s Colton Fretter inside the opening minute with Ryan Martinelli and Eric Neiley going toe-to-toe also late on.
The Giants move to third place with 41 points from 31 games – tied on points with the Sheffield Steelers who have played one game more and six points behind the Cardiff Devils who have 47 points from 230 games.
Sheffield Strike First
Matt Marquardt opened the scoring with a fine finish at 17:05, assisted by Eric Neiley as the Steelers took a 1-0 lead into the middle period.
Saviano Equaliser Is Short-lived
Steve Saviano pulled the Giants level at 31:29 when he was alert to finish off the rebound from Spiro Goulakos’ slapshot into the empty net.
However the Steelers restored their lead soon after when Mark Matheson scored shorthanded at 32:05, assisted by Tim Wallace and Andreas Jamtin.
Jamtin turned from provider to scorer at 39:18, assisted by Matheson, as Sheffield increased their advantage to two after the opening two periods of action.
Steelers Hang On After Giants Pull One Back
David Rutherford’s final period goal at 45:19, assisted by Blair Riley and Darcy Murphy, brought the hosts to within one. However the Giants were unable to find a way past Mustukovs again and the Steelers took the 3-2 win on game #1 of the weekend.
Final Score:
Stena Line Belfast Giants 2-3 Sheffield Steelers
Giants Man of the Match:
#1 Jackson Whistle
Next Up?
The Giants are next in action on Saturday night – the second game in as many nights against the Sheffield Steelers at The SSE Arena, face-off 7pm.
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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