Belfast stay in the hunt despite squad setback
How the Stena Line Belfast Giants’ tide has turned particularly after a choppy run of two home losses. This change in fortune, despite the possibly lengthy injury to Stephen Murphy currently missing from the Giants’ pipes.
Coach Doug Christiansen and his team have, however, kept their nerves.
The first stroke of luck, and genius, was the signing of Braehead’s available net minder Garrett Zemlak.
The second, was the growing belief of the team in itself. Despite injuries and set backs they are still in the hunt and ready to retain the trophy they hold from last year – the Elite League Championship silverware.
After a comfortable victory over Fife Flyers with goaltender Garrett Zemlak standing in for Belfast’s number 31 – Team GB international Stephen Murphy – 19 saves were posted for a debut triumph.
An early powerplay from Colin Shields was the winner in the opening period. The next, a five on three man advantage and Kevin Saurette made it 2-0. Finally Belfast’s Darryl Lloyd may well have scored the best goal of his career netting unassisted to secure the outcome 3-0.
Belfast’s overall squad were then able to protect Zemlak for the remainder of the game helping him gain his first Giants shutout and the man of the match award.
Giants’ Head Coach Doug Christiansen stated prior to the two away fixtures: “We are extremely excited for the games this weekend, however we know it is a massive test for us. We have had a great week of practice and the team is ready to go.”
The league title race is wide open once again. Nottingham paid the price for drifting off the game-plan in the middle of their first period, to eventually go down 4-5 in regulation time to a Giants’ side who are now just two points behind the Panthers in the standings.
The Panthers got a dream start with former Giant Brandon Benedict who put them in front with only 24 seconds on the clock.
That score inspired Belfast to dig deep with first Craig Peacock tying the game then David Phillips putting them ahead. Greg Stewart gave them a two-goal cushion followed by Robby Sandrock netting the Giants fourth and all this in the opening period.
Panthers playing coach Corey Neilson needed to regroup his squad during the break and whatever he said it certainly worked. They scored first from Jonathan Weaver then Kelsey Wilson who also netted, making it a one-goal game going into the final period
Giants’ Captain Adam Keefe gave his side a two goal lead five minutes into the third period and although Nottingham did get another marker as Jordan Fox scored on a powerplay it was too little and far too late.
That was just half the battle completed on Saturday night. The Giants needed the second away victory in Coventry on Sunday if the Nottingham victory was going to mean anything
New signing Zemlak posted his second shutout in only three games played with 40 saves and a 2-0 victory. In an end to end opening period each squad equally shared 30 shots but neither side was able to breakthrough some impressive goaltending from Zemlak and his opposite number Peter Hirsch.
The first goal and winner came from Greg Stewart in the second period. However the Blaze were always in this game and as likely to score as the Giants. In the third period the home side suffered a blow when Dustin Cameron was ejected by referee Michael Hicks on an abuse call.
The Blaze just could not convert on their chances and even had a goal ruled out in the third period but when Hirsch was pulled for the extra skater it allowed Adam Keefe to seal the win for his squad into the empty net with only seconds remaining.
Coventry’s coach Paul Thompson was angry at the disallowed goal, which was wiped out by stating: “We had a legal goal disallowed. The goal judge had his light on but the referee never consulted him.
“I don’t know why the goal did not stand. If the goal judges are just there to record shots on goal then you might as well put them in the stand. It was a good game. Belfast is pushing for the title but they are very fortunate to be leaving here with both the points. We let our emotions get the better of us at times and that is something we have to stop. But I just felt some decisions went against us” concluded Thompson.
Doug Christiansen stated: “The pressure is all on Nottingham who are still in first place. Our guys came up big for us and Garrett Zemlak has played great since joining the Giants to fill in for Murphy who is out with a serious groin injury. We all hope Murphy recovers well and Zemlak continues his magnificent form. We are just a small club on a different Island to the rest of the league and will battle hard to the last drop of the puck, or the final hooter to retain the Elite League trophy”.
Belfast takes on Braehead then Edinburgh on Friday and Saturday in Fortress Odyssey Belfast this week.
