The Stena Line Belfast Giants fell to a 4-2 defeat on Saturday night in Scotland against the Fife Flyers.
Four final period goals caused the damage for the Giants as the home side gained revenge for the Challenge Cup defeat earlier this month.
The Giants started with Stephen Murphy in net and were missing Tyler Beskorowany, Matt Towe and Mark Garside. Saturday’s defeat is a second in-a-row for the Giants, however, they have an immediate chance at redemption when the Flyers visit The SSE Arena on Sunday with the face-off 4pm.
The Giants got off to the best possible start, taking an early lead at 2:29. Jonathan Ferland tipped a Curtis Leonard slapshot past Owen in the Flyers net to edge the visitors 1-0 in front.
The middle period saw the Giants outshoot the Flyers for a second consecutive period, 16-9, but they were unable to find a way past Shane Owen and took a slender one goal advantage into the final period.
Following a scoreless second period, the game came to life again early in the final period when Bari McKenzie equalised for the Flyers at 43:08, assisted by Chase Schaber and Danick Gautier.
Little over a minute later and the home side took the lead for the first time in the game thanks to Evan Bloodoff at 44:11, assisted by Brett Bulmer.
Bulmer then converted a chance of his own at 49:38, assisted by Carlo Finucci and Paul Crowder.
The Flyers extended their lead at 54:56 when Bulmer netted his second of the night, assisted by Paul Crowder and Carlo Finucci.
The Giants regrouped and pulled back a late goal when Darcy Murphy squeezed the puck home at 57:59, assisted by David Rutherford. However, it was merely a consolation goal as the Flyers held out for the home win.
Final Score: Fife Flyers 4-2 Stena Line Belfast Giants
Giants Man of the Match:
#91 David Rutherford (1 Assist)
Next Up?
The Giants return to Belfast for their second game of the weekend against the Flyers on Sunday. The Challenge Cup Group B clash starts 4pm at The SSE Arena and tickets are now on sale at:
