EIHL Game Report: Cardiff Devils 1 Belfast Giants 4

The Belfast Giants beat the Cardiff Devils for the second time this season in Wales to the final score of 4-1.

The Red Army faithful left the Big Blue Tent disappointed at another loss, as they are yet to witness their team win at home.

The first period started fast and physical, with both team working hard to get the opening goal from the drop of the puck. With end to end play, the two sides saw a number of chances, but it was the visitors that got there first, as Kevin Saurette fired the puck into the net at 9 minutes and 46 seconds. Just before the end of the session, the Devils got onto the board with a strike from Captain Mac Falkner to put teams level, with 46 seconds remaining.

Into the second and the Giants looked the sharper of the two teams, as they hit the net twice to take a firm lead. The go ahead goal for the Giants came just two minutes and 57 seconds into the period, with a goal from Jeff Swez. Five minutes later and the Giants had a 5-on-3 powerplay chance. The Northern Irish team capitalised on this opportunity, as Rob Sandrock’s slapshot from the blueline found its way into the back of the net at 28:32.

The Devils’ valiant effort in the third and final period was in vain, as they couldn’t get past the Giants goaltender Stephen Murphy. With Dan LaCosta pulled, Calvin Elfring scored a shorthanded empty net goal to round off the scoring and the Giants took home the two points.

Stephen Murphy deservedly won Man of the Match for the Giants, after stopping 29 of 30 shots, with Mac Faulkner receiving the award for the Devils.