The Stena Line Belfast Giants fell to a 4-2 Elite League defeat in Nottingham on Saturday. A final period powerplay strike from Luke Pither and an Evan Mosey empty net goal gave the home side a Saturday win.
Sunday sees the Giants face the Steelers in Sheffield, face-off 5pm. Despite Saturday’s loss, the Giants stay in second place, five points behind the Cardiff Devils.
Giants Pin Panthers Back
The hosts got off to the ideal start as they were 2-0 up after 10:03. First, Luke Pither fired past Whistle at 5:39 after a nice feed by Evan Mosey. Nottingham’s lead doubled when David Clarke’s powerful one-timer struck the back of the Giants net while on the powerplay.
The Giants regrouped and hit back almost immediately as Brendan Connolly scored on a breakaway 50 seconds after Clarke’s goal, assisted by Sebastien Sylvestre and Kevin Raine.
The visitors’ opening period comeback was complete at 12:42 thanks to a fine finish from Brandon Benedict. Benedict’s goal, his fourth goal in as many games, came after good work in the Panthers zone and was assisted by John Kurtz and Steve Saviano.
Middle Period Stalemate
The second period was more even as the Panthers helped to limit the Giants scoring chances. Netminders Galbraith and Whistle shut the door and left this game to be decided in the final 20 minutes of action.
Panthers Edge Out Giants
Luke Pither edged the Panthers in front when he grabbed his second of the game at 49:36 with a powerplay goal, assisted by Robert Farmer.
Evan Mosey ended the Giants hopes at 59:18 when his empty net goal stretched the Panthers lead to two and guaranteed the home win for Nottingham.
Final Score:
Nottingham Panthers 4-2 Stena Line Belfast Giants
Photo: Panthers Images
