ICE HOCKEY: Cardiff Devils snatch late winner against Belfast Giants in the Elite League

The Stena Line Belfast Giants fell to a 3-2 defeat on Saturday against the Cardiff Devils. The Giants came back from a two goal deficit however Andrew Hotham grabbed the winning goal for the Devils in the final period to earn Cardiff's second win of the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Feb 2017, 11:47 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 08:50 BST
Belfast Giants' Chris Higgins with Cardiff Devils' Ben BownsBelfast Giants' Chris Higgins with Cardiff Devils' Ben Bowns
Belfast Giants' Chris Higgins with Cardiff Devils' Ben Bowns

The Devils took the lead early in this one with Guillaume Doucet netting his 19th of the season at 4:25, assisted by Joey Martin and Chris Jones.

Patrick Asselin doubled the Cardiff lead at 21:19 with a powerplay goal, assisted by Andrew Hotham and Layne Ulmer. However the Giants battled back with two goals in as many minutes at the end of the middle period.

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First, Blair Riley pulled one back for the home side with a powerplay strike at 35:48, assisted by Chris Higgins and Jerome Leduc.

Cardiff Devils celebrate scoring against the Belfast GiantsCardiff Devils celebrate scoring against the Belfast Giants
Cardiff Devils celebrate scoring against the Belfast Giants

David Rutherford grabbed the equaliser when he outsmarted Cardiff netminder Ben Bowns on a penalty shot at 37:08.

Into the final period and the Devils got off to the best possible start as Andrew Hotham regained the lead for his team at 41:53, assisted by Layne Ulmer. Hotham’s goal came on the powerplay with Referee Hogarth sending Blair Riley to the penalty box for High Sticking call.

The Devils withstood a third period onslaught from the Giants to close out an important win in Belfast, their second in as many nights.

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The Giants return to action on Saturday against the Fife Flyers - face-off 7pm at The SSE Arena, Belfast before facing the Nottingham Panthers away on Sunday. Tickets for Saturday’s home game are on sale now online at ticketmaster.ie as well as from The SSE Arena Box Office until face-off either in person or by calling 028 9073 9074.

Related topics:Cardiff