The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Stars push Giants all way in Belfast thriller
Ice hockey: cate powerplay goal finally ktlls off aunhee
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Stars fell to a late powerplay strike from Belfast after an action-packed Elite League game last night.
Malcolm Gould had the game’s first shot but it was an easy save for Giants netminder Jackson Whistle, who was kept busy by the visitors in the opening five minutes.
Stars had an escape when a backhanded shot from Steve Saviano hit the crossbar after beating Travis Fullerton.
Cody Carlson picked up a slashing penalty and it soon became a five-onthree after Omar Pacha was penalised for tripping.
Some good saves from Fullerton kept the Giants at bay and Dundee’s efforts were finally rewarded when Adam Harding found the net after Jordan Cownie fed a pass to the Welshman at 14:03.
Fullerton denied Jonathon Ferland before Stars had a five-on -three powerplay and a chance to extend their lead. Giants survived, though, and levelled through Brendan Connolly on the powerplay in the 25th minute.
Connolly grabbed his second goal of the night after Dundee hit more penalty trouble but Jimmy Jensen took the puck from the halfway line and roofed a shot off the crossbar and into the net to level.
Stars almost took the lead when Brian Hart’s shot went across the face of goal but Darcy Murphy restored the Northern Irish side’s lead at 32:48.
Dundee levelled just before the end of the period when a quick pass out in front saw Anthony Mastrodicasa release a rapid one-timer past Whistle.
Fullerton was forced into action as Kevin Raine released a quick shot but it could not beat the Dundee stopper.
A Carlson penalty teed Belfast up for a second power play goal, Rutherford finding Riley who redirected it into the net.
A Hart shot beat Whistle but hit the post and Jensen pounced to level once again for the visitors.
Giants went ahead again on the powerplay when Rutherford slid a pass to Murphy to hit it home with just over two minutes left.
With Fullerton pulled from the goal, Stars came close to equalising once more but Connolly intercepted a pass before shooting the puck the length of the ice with 28 seconds left to seal the win.