The Late Late Show.

The Giants can count themselves very lucky that they did not get their fingers burned by the Guildford Flames last night after a fairly tepid performance left them within minutes of losing much hope of winning the Elite League.

The opening period came and went with barely any notable highlights, apart from Fredrik Nasvall getting a couple of 2 minute minor penalties, as both teams nullified each other. However, after only a minute and a half of the second period it was the Flames that opened the scoring with Konder and Palov combining to open up the Giants defence. It was another 8 minutes before the Giants could bring the game back to level terms thanks, once again, to Tony Hands sublime finishing skills.

Neither team could manage to gain the upper hand during the rest of the period and as the buzzer went, both teams left the ice with the score tied at 2-2. The Giants second goal came courtesy of a nice bit of tic-tac-toe play from Hand, Curt Bowen with George Awada providing the neat finish.

Into the final period, and it was the Giants who came out brighter with George Awada giving the Giants the lead after 6 minutes. Guildford Flames refused to lie down however, and it was only 3 more minutes before they hauled themselves level with Cross slotting home the tying goal. It was to be last goal of regulation time. And this is where the Giants can count themselves lucky that the overtime period for the “Crossover League/National Cup” games last 10 minutes.

With the clock ticking down and passing the 5 minute mark, many fans would have been forgiven for starting to wonder if the Giants has blown their title aspirations. Thankfully, up stepped Roman Gavalier to slot home a priceless goal on the 65 minute and 29 second mark. Cue some “rowing the boat” style celebrations from the big defenceman and a lot of breathing sighs of relief from the Odyssey faithful.

The Giants are now 3 points behind and level on games with the league leading Coventry Blaze. While the Giants destiny is firmly in their own hands, it was certainly helped last night by the second leg of the Challenge Cup final involving the Cardiff Devils and the Coventry Blaze. It was not so much a hockey match as a war of attrition with the first fight starting after only 43 seconds, and by the end of the game 6 players had been ejected for various misconduct penalties.

The Giants next home game on Saturday is against the Sheffield Steelers, and they will be looking to gain some momentum of their own with the playoff series of matches starting soon.

James Lynch

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