Flyers blanked for second time in two nights

Photo: Flyers Images

Belfast Giants extended their lead at the top of the Elite League to eight points with a 3-0 shutout win over Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy.

“I think we didn’t start particularly well, Fife were really buzzing around, but we found a way,” said Giants netminder Alexis Gravel, who recorded the shutout. “That’s what championship teams do, and we got it done.

“It’s my first shutout of the season, so it felt good to get that one. The guys played really well in front of me.”

A scoreless opening period saw Logan Neilson register arguably the best chance of the frame when he raced in on a breakaway, but Gravel denied his five-hole attempt to keep the game level.

J.J. Piccinich put Giants ahead 6:50 into the middle period, firing home from the slot to give the visitors the breakthrough.

That lead held into the third period, with Flyers creating opportunities but unable to find a way past Gravel.

Scott Conway doubled the advantage with just under 10 minutes remaining, before Carsen Twarynski finished five-hole following a turnover with 4:09 to play to seal the win.

Flyers pulled Shane Owen for the extra attacker with over three minutes remaining in an attempt to get on the board, but Giants held firm as Gravel completed the shutout, the second time this weekend Flyers were held scoreless.

“We’ve been together since 5 August, and I think we’re ready to go on a roll,” added Gravel. “It’s tough to win three trophies, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”