Giants take four-goal first leg advantage

Photo: John Uwins

A strong road performance saw Belfast Giants take a four-goal first leg advantage over Guildford Flames in the Viaplay Challenge Cup Semi-Finals.

Two goals in in the opening period put the Giants in a comfortable position at the Spectrum against a Flames side that pushed but couldn't find a killer pass. David Goodwin opened the scoring at 9:04 when Kyle Lock's pass across his own slot was intercepted by the Giants' captain and ruthlessly dispatched. 

Just over three minutes later, Grant Cooper shot from a tight angle with Scott Conway getting the final touch on the puck past Eamon McAdam at 12:26.

The home side went 0 for 4 on the powerplay as they struggled to create any clear-cut chances in front of Jackson Whistle. At the other end, McAdam pulled off two point blank saves to keep the Flames just two behind.

On their third powerplay of the game, Belfast needed eight seconds to take advantage with Mark Cooper bundling the puck over the line from close range. A late double minor for high-sticking on Daniel Tedesco, forcing Josh Roach to leave the ice with a trail of blood after him, led to Gabe Bast firing the puck towards McAdam's net, tipped home by Conway on the doorstep.

David Goodwin hit the lost with just over five minutes remaining almost giving his side a five-goal advantage. The teams will play again on 25 January in Belfast with the aggregate winner advancing to the final.