Belfast Giants 5-4 Hull Stingrays
The Hull Stingrays tonight traveled to Northern Ireland and put in a gutsy effort, falling just short against the title chasing Belfast Giants by five goals to four for the second time in two visits.
Sylvain Cloutier's side took the lead after just 40 seconds with captain Kurtis Dulle netting on his return to action following suspension.
Goals from Kevin Saurette (PP) and Greg Stewart after 17.50 then gave the Giants a 2-1 lead heading into the second.
The Giants further extended their lead 58 seconds into the second period before Dulle completed a highly successful return to action bagging his second of the night exactly a minute later.
Robby Sandrock then netted a powerplay double either side of Dmitri Rodin's first of the season in Stingrays colours to give the Giants a 5-3 lead.
Tom Squires fifth goal of the season with just over seven seconds then remaining gave the Rays hope of snatching the point their effort deserved with coach Cloutier bagging his third assist of the game and second three point game in less than a week.
However, the Stingrays - who conceded three powerplay goals on five powerplays - were unable to force the issue and tie the game in the remaining moments despite pulling Ben Bowns in favour of the extra outskater with the Giants closing out the game and two points.
The Hull Stingrays tonight traveled to Northern Ireland and put in a gutsy effort, falling just short against the title chasing Belfast Giants by five goals to four for the second time in two visits.
Sylvain Cloutier's side took the lead after just 40 seconds with captain Kurtis Dulle netting on his return to action following suspension.
Goals from Kevin Saurette (PP) and Greg Stewart after 17.50 then gave the Giants a 2-1 lead heading into the second.
The Giants further extended their lead 58 seconds into the second period before Dulle completed a highly successful return to action bagging his second of the night exactly a minute later.
Robby Sandrock then netted a powerplay double either side of Dmitri Rodin's first of the season in Stingrays colours to give the Giants a 5-3 lead.
Tom Squires fifth goal of the season with just over seven seconds then remaining gave the Rays hope of snatching the point their effort deserved with coach Cloutier bagging his third assist of the game and second three point game in less than a week.
However, the Stingrays - who conceded three powerplay goals on five powerplays - were unable to force the issue and tie the game in the remaining moments despite pulling Ben Bowns in favour of the extra outskater with the Giants closing out the game and two points.
