Cardiff Devils were edged out in a pulsating Elite League ice hockey clash at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Heavyweights Devils and Giants, the top two teams in the table, slugged it out in a match full of physical confrontations, top class skill, composure, drama and controversy.
Belfast won 4-3 after sudden death overtime and a penalty shootout.
Both teams had spells were they dominated and the match was in the balance until goaltender Jackson Whistle turned away the final shot in overtime.
Devils produced an outstanding road performance and scored three powerplay goals, while two moments of individual brilliance by David Rutherford proved huge for Giants.
After a breathtaking match Giants had earned two points, while League leaders Devils collected one because the scores were level after 60 minutes.
These teams don’t like each other. Both want to win the league and will give everything in the battle for honours.
The teams go at it again on Saturday evening at the SSE Arena in Belfast and the niggles which emerged during this match will be magnified when the players skate out again.
More than 500 Devils fans are in Belfast for the back-to-back clashes and the Red Army made themselves heard with some amazing support.
Devils captain Jake Morissette put the league leaders ahead with a powerplay goal after four minutes. It was a beautifully constructed goal with Andrew Hotham picking out Layne Ulmer, who flicked the puck to Joey Martin.
Captain Jake Morissette took possession and went for goal with Ulmer in front of goalie Whistle to block his view as the puck flew in.
David Rutherford’s solo effort late in the period made it 1-1 and Belfast took the lead just over six minutes into the second. Sebastien Sylvestre scored to put his team 2-1 ahead going into the third.
Patrick Asselin tied things up with a powerplay goal saw the sides level again five minutes into the third period, but Belfast were quick to restore their advantage. Rutherford scored his second unassisted goal 62 seconds later.
Devils powerplay unit remained potent, scoring again with Mark Richardson converted with the man advantage with just over five minutes left.
The game went into overtime at 3-3 and was decided on penalties.
There was controversy when Giants scored what looked a perfectly good goal just before the end of overtime, but referee Tom Darnell was quick to rule out the goal.
Belfast’s John Kurtz was in front of goalie Ben Bowns, but wasn’t in the crease. Darnell, though, was so adamant in his decision I can only think the net had slipped slightly off it’s moorings.
Both teams took three penalties in the shootout and Canadian Darcy Murphy was the only scorer, handing Belfast a hard-earned victory.
Devils had 15 import players dressed and warming up before the game. They can only use 14 in a match with Andrew Lord and Mark Louis sitting out the game.
Luke Piggott and injured Craig Moore were the British players to miss out.
Match stats:
Period scores (Giants first): 1-1; 1-0 (2-1); 1-2 (3-3); 0-0 (3-3). Belfast won 1-0 in penalty shootout.
Shots on goal: Giants (on Bowns) 12+12+9+3=36; Devils (on Whistle) 10+10+20+2=42.
Scorers, Giants: David Rutherford 2+0, Sebastien Sylvestre 1+0, Colin Shields 0+1, Steve Saviano 0+1.
Devils: Jake Morissette 1+0, Patrick Asselin 1+0, Mark Richardson 1+0, Joey Martin 0+1, Andrew Hotham 0+2.
Penalty shootout:
Giants: David Rutherford saved; Darcy Murphy scored.
Devils: Joey Haddad, Joey Martin, Patrick Asselin all saved.
Penalties in minutes: Giants 8+2+4+0=14; Devils 10+6+0+2=18.
Powerplays: Giants 0/7; Devils 3/5.
Referee: Tom Darnell and Dean Smith.
Stars of the game: Giants, Jackson Whistle; Devils, Andrew Hotham.
Attendance: 4,773.
The next home match for Devils is against Steelers in the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final at the IAW next Wednesday (7.30pm).
To book tickets for Devils matches CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.
ELITE LEAGUE STANDINGS
| Rk | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | WPCT | Pts |
| 1 | Cardiff Devils | 39 | 29 | 7 | 1 | 2 | .782 | 61 |
| 2 | Belfast Giants | 40 | 27 | 12 | 1 | 0 | .688 | 55 |
| 3 | Manchester Storm | 39 | 22 | 12 | 3 | 2 | .628 | 49 |
| 4 | Fife Flyers | 34 | 23 | 9 | 1 | 1 | .706 | 48 |
| 5 | Sheffield Steelers | 37 | 22 | 12 | 2 | 1 | .635 | 47 |
| 6 | Guildford Flames | 38 | 20 | 12 | 4 | 2 | .605 | 46 |
| 7 | Nottingham Panthers | 36 | 21 | 12 | 2 | 1 | .625 | 45 |
| 8 | Braehead Clan | 40 | 16 | 20 | 3 | 1 | .450 | 36 |
| 9 | Dundee Stars | 37 | 16 | 18 | 2 | 1 | .473 | 35 |
| 10 | Coventry Blaze | 39 | 14 | 21 | 3 | 1 | .410 | 32 |
| 11 | Milton Keynes Lightning | 39 | 14 | 24 | 1 | 0 | .372 | 29 |
| 12 | Edinburgh Capitals | 38 | 4 | 33 | 0 | 1 | .118 | 9 |
Including Friday night’s result.