Giants blank Flames in first part of double-header

Photo: William Cherry

Belfast Giants opened their weekend double-header against the Guildford Flames with a 29-save shutout from Jackson Whistle in a 2–0 win at the SSE Arena.

"I thought it was really good," said Whistle. "I thought the guys really played a full 60 and I thought both teams had a good game to be honest. It was a good kinda playoff battle out there, great atmosphere with the crowd and I thought we did a good job to get the two points."

The teddy bears hit the ice early on Air the Bear night. With Charlie Curti in the box for slashing, Marcus Eriksson opened the scoring at 2:45, finishing a pass from Gabe Bast from the right circle. Just 24 seconds later, Ben Lake and Ciaran Long combined on a quick one-two that ended with Long lifting a one-timer into the roof of the net for a rapid 2–0 Giants lead.

Both teams created chances through the remainder of the period, but Whistle and Justin Fazio ensured there were no further goals.

The second period followed the same pattern. Fazio denied Henrik Eriksson in close to prevent a third Belfast goal, while Whistle produced a series of important stops during a Flames surge on a Bast penalty kill.

"It’s massive," Whistle said of starting the weekend with a win. "It’s been a while since we had a 3-in-3 but anytime you do, my mindset and the guy’s mindset is that you really want to get that first win. Good to get that one done with, get ready for tomorrow and take it one game at a time."

Guildford could not find a way past Whistle in the third and pulled Fazio with two minutes remaining, but Belfast held firm. Whistle gloved the final effort of the night to secure his first shutout of the season and the opening win of the series.