Coventry Blaze 2 Belfast Giants 5

Giants remain top of the standings following this their second win of the weekend on the road. A 3-0 opening period for Doug Christiansen’s men at the Skydome paved the way with Blaze never able to seriously trouble the visitors after that.

A George Awada treble was the Giants highlight as Giants remain three points clear on top of the pile with this their ninth straight win in all competitions this season.

The visitors took little time in establishing control with Awada scoring his first after only 80 seconds. Ryan Crane added a second at 3.30 to stun the hosts and late on a powerplay strike by Mark Garside at 19.26 had Giants three ahead at the first period interval.

Only 57 seconds into the second period and it was Awada making it 4-0, although Blaze quickly pulled one back through Matic Kralj at 22.19. The same player gave Blaze a sniff of a chance at 30.38 on the powerplay but Awada’s third of the game at 38.16 effectively killed the hosts off.

Comfortable for Giants in the goalless third as a good weekends work was completed in style.

Period Scores: 0-3, 2-2, 0-0
Penalty Mins: Cov 6 – Bel 10
Powerplay: Cov 1/5 – Bel 1/3
Shots On: Peter Hirsch 39 / Stephen Murphy 38

Referee: Michael Hicks