Not a pretty sight: Giants 3 Panthers 3

The Panthers ended the Giantsâ?? winning streak when they last met, just over a week ago in Nottingham with a late equaliser from John Craighead, and they frustrated the Giants again with a well fought comeback in the return game that the Giants should have taken full points from.

Coach Stewart donned the â??Bogartâ?? suit and took his place behind the bench, while his latest signings took to the Odyssey ice for the first time this season. Local lad Graeme Walton slotted into his defensive role with a credible performance, and while he may have got the cheers when he came out, he was unfortunate to be somewhat overshadowed by the roar for returning star, Sean Berens who produced a goal and an assist in his first competitive game since April 1st.

The first five minutes of the game saw one shot on goal from Panthersâ?? Ahlroos, but after an edgy start from both sides, the game settled down. It was Curt Bowen who hit the opener, with Sundberg almost getting a glove to it before it went in over his right shoulder at 7.05 with an assist to Berens. Berensâ?? first shot on goal was straight at the Panthersâ?? goalie, easily saved , but he wasnâ??t to be denied his little bit of returning glory with a powerplay goal awarded after a tussle round the Panthersâ?? crease with Bowen , Ruff and Berens all crowding Sundberg who didnâ??t have a chance (assist to Kenny, 17.13).

Berenâ??s almost got credited with Giantsâ?? third goal at 21.10 despite being on the bench, but Kenny got his point with assists to Schulte and Jameison.

..then the wheels came off â?¦ Craighead manufactured the Panthersâ?? revival finding David Clarke with acres of space in front of Ryder at 24.17. Kelman went to the box less than 30 seconds later and Struch punished the rattled home side, making it 3-2 at 25.49.

Both captains added the comic diversion for the period, but Thompson slipped as they tangoâ??ed and it was over before it began, with Ruff taking 2+2 to Thompsonâ??s 2 minutes.

Giants survived the powerplay, but the re-inspired Panthers completed the comeback at 33.46 with Cadotte angling a shot past Ryder that rebounded in off the post.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the final period despite Nottinghamâ??s Kristian Taubert offering them the chances sitting out two minor penalties almost concurrently.

Giants probably should have had it in overtime, but they didnâ??t finish their chances and it finished 3-3 at the end of play. The coach has his first period problem sorted ... now what about that second period ...?

MoM Nottingham: David Struch
MoM Belfast: Sean Berens
Attendance: 2462

GK

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