Excel Hull Stingrays 3-4 Belfast Giants After OT
The Stingrays gained their fifth point in 10 against a Belfast Giants side that currently sit in fourth place in the Elite League just six points behind leaders the Sheffield Steelers.
Goals from George Awada and Tyler Howells gave the Giants a deserved first period lead before a mini revival from the Stingrays against the flow of play saw Konstantin Kalmikov and Lee Mitchell score two goals in 42 seconds.
Much to the home fans surprise the Stingrays, who were under the cosh for much of the game, took the lead in the 45th minute as the Rays capitalised on a five on three powerplay with Steve Slonina slotting the puck home.
The Stingrays had further chances to take the lead, most notably from Konstantin Kalmikov and a Paul Moran deflected shot, before the expected attacking surge from the Giants commenced with numerous Mike Burgoyne coast to coast rushes.
The Giants domination of the game payed off with less than four minutes remaining as George Awada scored his second of the game before the Stingrays held on for overtime.
The Giants finally took a deserved two points after nearly three minutes of four on four overtime as Paul Deniset scored unassisted handing them a much needed two points ahead of crucial game against league leaders the Sheffield Steelers.
The Stingrays gained a much needed point to haul back one of the two points lost on Saturday against the Basingstoke Bison and will be hoping for a much improved 2009.
Best Moment- Two goals in 42 seconds for the Stingrays, levelling the scores. Konstantin Kalmikov going coast to coast, beating five Belfast players only to be denied by Lyle.
Worst Moment- Belfast's late game tying and overtime winning goals which turned the scores from 3-2 to 3-4 in the Giants favour with little more than four minutes remaining.
F Block MOM- Stingrays- Konstantin Kalmikov (1+2), Curtis Cruickshank (48 shots/4 goals allowed), Belfast- George Awada (2+0)
Stingrays Verdict- (6/10)- The Stingrays played a familiar away game tactic against the Giants and their hard work and dedication to the system saw them rewarded with a point. Without Konstantin Kalmikov, who set up two and scored a goal himself, and Curtis Cruickshank, who was as solid as he has been all year, the Stingrays would have probably been dead and buried in this game. James Cooke had one of his best games for the Rays whilst non stop work ethic from the whole team, but in particular Steve Slonina, Jeff Glowa and Lee Esders, gave the Stingrays a huge chance for a victory. Despite by not matching the Giants on skill, the work rate was there for a Stingrays side that still has just three defenceman, and Steve Slonina covering on defence. With more of these performances with a full strength side in 2009, the Stingrays might, just might, given a lot of hard work and dedication, improve on their Elite League best 9th place come the end of the season.
Strachan's Verdict- "We battled hard for the whole game and as a coach that is all I can ask. We got behind but we didn’t panic, we showed great composure to come back. I am happy with the point, make no mistake Belfast are a good hockey team."
