Giants' middle period sinks Flyers

Photo: Flyers Images

Four goals in just under nine second period minutes helped Belfast Giants power past Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy in a disappointing end to 2023 for the home side.

Sam Ruopp gave Belfast the lead 8:17 into period one when he was found alone in the slot by Ben Lake, before Gabe Bast beat Shane Owen off a faceoff play at 10:49. The hosts were back in things, however, at 14:24 through Seth Bafaro's well-placed wrist shot from the slot ti make it a one-goal gam. 

Ben Lake's goal at 31:26 starrted a rush of scoring for the visitors, who then went 4-1 ahead through Scott Conway on his own rebound at 35:28. Matt Foley scored at 37:42 with a big slapshot before Conway hit another goal with 11 seconds left in the period to take the score to 6-1.

Lewis Hook scored the Giants' seventh with 10:55 to play, with Janne Kivilahti pulling one back for Fife inside the final five minutes.

The win moves the Giants up to within four points of the lead in the Viaplay Elite League.