First road game – First defeat
Elite League 2006/07, Game Blogs 2006/07 | Sunday 10 September 2006 by Richard BlayneyBlaze 6, Giants 4
In their first road game of the season, the Giants fell to their first defeat of the season, Sunday night against rivals Coventry. Against a team many suspect will be the Giants closest rivals for the title this season Belfast threw away a two goal lead when 2-0 ahead for the second time in two nights, but unlike Nottingham last night, Coventry went on to win the game…
Penalties were coming thick and fast in the early stages of the game for both teams with the first three goals (two for Belfast, one for Coventry) coming on the power-play. The game then settled down in terms of whistle blowing and no penalties where called until mid-way through the second period, although the goals continued to flow with 5 goals being scored in a six minute period during the second period.
By the time the third period started the Blaze had a 5-4 lead with the Giants goals having come through Jason Ruff, Todd Kelman and two for Curtis Huppe. The third period seen the penalties called again as 8 Blaze and 7 Giants players made the trip to the sin-bin in the final frame alone.
The most controversial moment came in the third period when Mark Dutiaume was sent clear on goal with the chance to tie the game. He fired the puck home before crashing into the net. A perfectly good goal? Well not in the eyes of referee Mike Hicks who instead of awarding the goal awarded the Giants a penalty shot. Unfortunately however Dutes couldn’t repeat his penalty shot effort from the shootout last night and the game remained at 5-4 to Coventry.
The Giants penalty kill got another hard working, but was on fire yet again killing 11 of 13 attempts for the Blaze with their final PP goal coming in the final minutes when Tait scored to seal the Blaze victory.
That just left the rough stuff as new boy’s J.P. Morin of Belfast and Stewart of Coventry dropped the mitts and each received 5 + a game with just 12 seconds remaining. Reports suggest Morin had the edge in the fight. Welcome to the Elite League J.P. – you should fit right in!!
So two points from a possible four on the opening weekend in games full of power plays and penalty kills. The five on five play for what their was of it this weekend certainly gave Giants fans belief that when teams are even they can outplay anyone else.
The team now have the midweek together to practice and get ready for yet another Saturday home game, Sunday road game. It all faces-off again at 7pm on Saturday night when Sheffield come to town under new coach and ex-Giants star Dave Matsos.
Giants-History.com 3 stars:
1st Star: Curtis Huppe
2nd Star: Jason Ruff
3rd Star: Todd Kelman
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