A five-goal weekend by James Desmarais fired Belfast Giants to just a point behind Elite League leaders Cardiff Devils.

Desmarais bagged a hat-trick in the Giants’ 5-4 victory over Nottingham Panthers and he followed up with two more in their 6-0 success against Dundee Stars.

The Devils had a mixed weekend, winning 7-5 at Coventry Blaze before falling 4-3 on home ice against Sheffield Steelers.

Fife Flyers moved up to fourth in the table after recording two narrow victories.

Ric Jackman’s goal secured a 4-3 overtime success at home to Manchester Storm, while Justin Fox grabbed the decider in a 3-2 shoot-out victory at Nottingham.

Braehead Clan also picked up four points, winning 2-1 at home to Manchester and 3-2 after overtime at Sheffield.

Manchester completed a disappointing weekend in Scotland with a 2-1 defeat at Edinburgh Capitals, while Coventry triumphed 4-0 at Dundee.

WEEKEND RESULTS

Friday

Belfast Giants 5-4 Nottingham Panthers
Braehead Clan 2-1 Manchester Storm

Saturday

Belfast Giants 6-0 Dundee Stars
Coventry Blaze 5-7 Cardiff Devils
Fife Flyers 4-3 Manchester Storm (OT)
Sheffield Steelers 2-3 Braehead Clan (OT)

Sunday

Cardiff Devils 3-4 Sheffield Steelers
Dundee Stars 0-4 Coventry Blaze
Edinburgh Capitals 2-1 Manchester Storm
Nottingham Panthers 2-3 Fife Flyers (SO)

(Image permission: Press Eye)