Giants power past Panthers

Shields: Brace

Belfast Giants prevailed 6-3 in what was part one of a crucial double-header against Nottingham Panthers.

A double from Brits Colin Shields and Craig Peacock helped the Giants get the better of title rivals Nottingham to earn the bragging rights.

With the Panthers now just two points better off than the Giants in the league standings this was a must win game for the home side.

Belfast got off to the perfect start as Shields (17th of the season) struck home the opener at 6.01. The hosts doubled their lead when Peacock (12th) found the net at 12.43.

Mario Larocque, in his sixth game for the Panthers netted his first goal at 24.32 to pull the Panthers back into the game, and just over the midway point it was all square as David Clarke (12th) found the net at 30.29.

Crucial

Having been 2-0 down, a goal from Sean McAslan (16th) at 35.07 turned the game around for the visitors to lead 3-2. However, this was short lived as Giants player/coach Steve Thornton netted his first goal of the season at 36.03 to make it 3-3.

A powerplay goal from Michael Jacobsen (5th) at 38.25 gave the home side the initiative back to lead by a single goal after 40 minutes.

With only the one goal between the teams the third period was always going to be tight and that's exactly how it turned out.

With time running out and the Panthers contemplating pulling their goaltender, Peacock (13th) netted a fifth for the Giants at 58.42.

Then, with the goaltender off, Shields (18th) found the empty net at 59.44 to wrap-up a crucial win.