Giants take win on first visit to Guildford of season

Photo: John Uwins

The Belfast Giants came out on top in their first meeting against the Guildford Flames this season, leaving Surrey with a two-goal road win.

JJ Piccinich got the only goal of the first 45 minutes when he put the Giants ahead 4:17 into the game with a shot that crept through Kevin Lindskoug in the FLames' net.

Both sides had three unconverted powerplay opportunities before the game's next goal. Piccinich double the Flames' lead at 45:19 after pouncing on a turnover, and had luck on his side as his stick broke in the act of shooting, but the scuffed shot beat Lindskoug.

After being guilty of perhaps a pass to many on their own rushes forward, Guildford got themselves back in the game with 8:47 to play when Ian Watters forced a puck over the line from close range, but Ben Lake coming in unmarked in the slot 69 seconds later all but ended the home side's hopes of mounting a comeback.

Kevin Raine was called for cross-checking with 2:11 to go, and although the Flames went 6-on-4 with a minute left they couldn't find a way back into things and the Giants held on for two valuable road points.

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