Kingdom Of The Giants :: Belfast Giants Fan Community, News & Views
Hoodoo? We do!
29-Jan-2006 | Discuss this ArticleThe Coors Belfast Giants skated into Coventry tonight and finally broke the hoodoo that has hung over them since the inception of the Elite League. The Giants finally claimed their first win in the Skydome at the 10th attempt running out 2-1 victors.
The first period was a close affair, with few clean cut chances for either side. The Giants started the better, but as the period continued, the Blaze, who were possibly still smarting from their loss in the Challenge Cup Final last evening, came into the game some more in the end outshooting the Giants 10-9.
The second period however was a much different affair. After again withstanding good Blaze pressue, the Giants managed to sneak ahead against the run of play. Man of the Match George Awada broke through after a pass from coach Ed Courtenay and one on one slotted the puck past Blaze man of the match Martin Klempa.
Unfortunately, from the Giants point of view, the Blaze equalized quickly. Barely a minute later Andreas Morborg fired past Mike Minard assisted by Tom Watkins and Jeff Hutchins. And in a frantic few minutes George Awada thought he had fired the Giants into a lead again, only for the goal to be disallowed due to the net being off its moorings. The disappointment of this decision was alleviated soon after when, in the last minute of the period Todd Kelman ghosted in to slot the puck home from an Ed Courtenay pass from behind the net, both teams skating with a man in the penalty box, the second assist going to Theo Fleury.
Once again the Blaze took the attacking initiative in the final period, knowing they needed a goal to get back into the game, and perhaps to keep their hopes of retaining their league title alive. Shane Johnson came to the party, picking up 2+2 for roughing in an altercation with Jeff Hutchins, once again showing that every member of this team will step up to be counted. Mike Minard was called upon several times, but responded, making save after save, and aided by a strong team defence, the Giants held on in a tense finish to claim that elusive first win on Coventry ice.
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League Standings
| P | TEAM | GP | W(OT) | L(OT) | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giants | 54 | 46(0) | 5(3) | 95 |
| 2 | Steelers | 54 | 41(0) | 11(2) | 84 |
| 3 | Panthers | 54 | 38(0) | 12(4) | 80 |
| 4 | Devils | 54 | 32(0) | 12(10) | 74 |
| 5 | Blaze | 54 | 32(0) | 20(2) | 66 |
| 6 | Clan | 54 | 31(0) | 19(4) | 66 |
| 7 | Stingrays | 54 | 16(0) | 34(4) | 36 |
| 8 | Stars | 54 | 13(0) | 35(6) | 32 |
| 9 | Capitals | 54 | 13(0) | 37(4) | 30 |
| 10 | Flyers | 54 | 8(0) | 40(6) | 22 |
Giants' Stat Leaders
| Points | Robert Dowd | 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 40 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 49 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 247 |