Giants Move Into First As Dwyer Double Downs Blaze
The Stena Line Belfast Giants defeated the Coventry Blaze on Saturday and moved to the top of the Elite League with only five games remaining.
Two goals from Pat Dwyer combined with a stellar performance from Stephen Murphy in the Giants net gave Belfast an important win. With the Cardiff Devils losing in Sheffield, the Giants claim a third Erhardt Conference title and a first since 2013/14.
The Giants moved into first place on the tie-breaker of regulation wins, though the Devils have played one game less. Next up for the Belfast side is Saturday in Manchester before returning home to face the Sheffield Steelers on Sunday, face-off 4pm at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Stephen Murphy backstopped the Giants to Saturday’s second weekend win against Coventry with the home side missing David Rutherford, Tyler Beskorowany, Guillaume Gelinas and Andrew Dickson.
GIANTS WIN!
Giants 2⃣@covblazehockey 1⃣#WeAreGiants | #BELvCOV | #EIHL pic.twitter.com/o5UkxDLfZR
— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) March 16, 2019
Murphy Keeps Out Blaze
Stephen Murphy starred for the hosts in the opening period, making a string of saves to keep the Blaze at bay. Hackett in the Coventry goal was also in fine form as the first 20 minutes ended scoreless.
Giants Edge Infront
The deadlock was broken at 24:47 when Pat Dwyer fired home on the powerplay following a nice pass from Dustin Johner.
Giants And Blaze Trade Blows
Dwyer doubled the Giants lead at 48:00 with a cool solo finish for his second of the game.
However the Blaze got themselves back into this one at 50:19 thanks to a powerplay strike by Luke Ferrara, assisted by Thom Flodqvist.
Final Score
Stena Line Belfast Giants 2-1 Coventry Blaze
Giants Player of the Game
#39 Pat Dwyer
Photography
William Cherry
Next Up?
Next up for the Giants is the Manchester Storm on Saturday and then a home clash on Sunday in Belfast against the Sheffield Steelers, face-off 4pm.
Tickets are now available from the Arena Box Office in person or by calling (028) 9073 9074 as well as online from ticketmaster.ie.
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