Giants make mark in title race

Photos: William Cherry

Belfast Giants got their second home win of the season against Sheffield Steelers to bring themselves back to joint-second in the table and open up the title race somewhat.

The impressive Nikolai Lemtyugov, who was at the heart of most of the Steelers' good things on Friday night, opened the scoring with a fine solo goal as he cut in from the boards at 18:32. Only 10 seconds later however Belfast were level with Bobby Farnham's shot from the slot beating Tomáš Duba low. The Giants took the lead 11 seconds before the end of the period with Rickard Palmberg's one-timer on the powerplay flying into the net. 

Having absorbed some Giants' pressure, Sheffield had the better of the latter half in period two and were deservedly level at 37:34 through Josef Hrabal's shot which may have been deflected en route past Shane Owen.

A tight game opened up in the final period, but the next goal was always likely to be the winner - that went to Belfast who were able to bundle the puck home from close range and had David Goodwin to thank with the final touch at 51:08. Sheffield pressed for the equaliser and, with Goodwin pulled, Elgin Pearce found the empty net five seconds before time. 

The win brings the Giants back to within five points of the Steelers, over whom they have to games in hand.

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