Giants prove a tough hurdle for Stars in Belfast

DUNDEE Stars lost out on any points in Northern Ireland last night after they had a physical and fiery battle with Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena.

Matt McLeod put the home team ahead after he was left unmarked on the doorstep of the Dundee goal and he turned Blake Speers’ pass into Kevin Carr’s net before, 50 seconds later, Ben Lake doubled the lead by finishing off the crossice pass from Josh Roach.

However, Stars quickly found a response as Spencer Naas netted his 28th goal of the season on 11 minutes.

Marc LeFebvre’s men pushed hard for an equaliser and came close to beating Jackson Whistle again but were stung by a third goal for Belfast as Travis Brown punished with another finish from close range in the 16th minute.

In the second session, Adam

Keefe’s side came out flying and instantly made it 4-1 after only 28 seconds, as Daniel Tedesco picked out David Goodwin at the back post for a tap-in.

The Tayside team had a few powerplay opportunities but failed to make any count, although defenceman Chris McKay cut the lead to 4-2 at the halfway-mark as he intercepted a pass in the Belfast end and stuck the puck straight past Whistle.

However, Stars could not make any of their chances count and the game was put beyond them after McLeod netted his second of the evening with a fast-paced move up ice, where he slipped the puck past Carr.

The final goal of the game came inside the final minute as a goal line clearance by Johnny McBean was not enough to stop Cameron Pound from turning home a loose puck to make it 6-2.