Giants Clinical as Steelers fail to Convert Chances
Giants goalie Tom McCollum registered his third straight shut out as Belfast recorded a 3-0 home victory against the Steelers.
Steelers off to a slow start with the Giants scoring 2 first period goals and whilst the Steelers came back well in the final two periods they couldn’t find a way past McCollum
The story of this one …
A quick turn around for the Steelers following last nights 2-1 home defeat to Glasgow
Two very different periods here in Belfast, after the Giants dominated the first session the Steelers had the majority of the play in the second.
The big difference is that the Giants took advantage and scored twice in the opening period whilst the Steelers have found Belfast goalie Tom McCollum in outstanding form.
Period 1.
Even first 5 minutes with little to show from either side.
Matt Greenfield made the first save of the night off Mark Cooper whilst at the other end Daniel Ciampini’s line impressed.
06.37 and Giants on the power-play with Tansey in the box for roughing
Steelers killed, Giants had the puck for 2 minutes but Steelers killed well and Diffley’s interception was the highlight.
10.50 and the Giants open the scoring as Bobo Carpenter follows up after Greenfield had kicked the initial shot shot away, a tidy finish from the right hand side beat Greenfield for the opening goal and the delude of Teddy’s from the stands.
Mark Simpson had Steelers best chance of the period, a nice move which saw him cut inside and get a good show away which was well save by McCollum
Saucerman with another long rage effort
18.30 and a penalty to the Steelers with Watling off for interference after a late hit.
19.48 With the period counting down Scott Conway pounced on the far post after a nice play from Mark Cooper to double the Giants lead
Second Period …
Much better period for the Steelers, creating chances and taking the game to the Giants
They have been met by an outstanding goalie in Tom McCollum who has made some great saves in that middle period.
Steelers have had power-play chances as well after McCollum connected with Patrick Watling for a tripping call.
Watling was later called for tripping Scott Conway but the Giants forward moved Watlings stick away on the ice and received an unsportsmanlike penalty to even maters up.
Steelers grew more and more into the game with McCollum stopping Ulrick, Juusola, Watling and Leavens at different times.
39.54 and Steelers have another power-play with Bast off for tripping
Third Period …
End to end start with Balmas for the Steelers and Carpenter for the Giants both going close.
Greenfield shortly after bailed out Cormier who had given the puck away
Greenfield again of a one timer from Bast
Joona Huttula left all alone but his shot was high and wide
Against the run of play and a stunner from Kawaguchi with a no look shot that was screened by Colton Saucerman flew past Matt Greenfield to put the Steelers 3-0 down at 45.17
47.05 and Huttula to the box for boarding.
Piccinich with the best chance, a low shot that Greenfield got down well to with a glove save
53.36 and Steelers last chance, a power play following Morin’s minor penalty for high sticks
Matt Greenfield was pulled for the 6 on 4 but still the Steelers couldn’t find a way past McCollum
57.36 and a little afters as Watling and Roach clashed both heading to the box
58.40 Steelers penalty with Vallerand to the box for high sticks.