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The Giants were the quickest out of the blocks, dominating for long spells in the first period.

But the Belfast side found an on-form Coventry netminder in Peter Hirsch who saved 21 shots in a very one sided period.

Good chances went begging on a four on three powerplay with Hirsch saving well from Cheverie, Jacobsen and Szwez. Coventry were finding it hard play outside of their own defensive end and were limited to long range shots by a solid Giants defensive unit.

The Giants ended the first period on the powerplay and again found Hirsch in top form with Colin Shields first being denied and then Pat Bateman went excruciatingly close as Hirsch tipped his shot inches past the post.

The second period began in a scrappy manner as the Coventry Blaze began to claw their way back into the game, gaining momentum with an early penalty kill.

Sean McMorrow picked up a hooking penalty and the Giants were made to pay as Coventry's Adam Calder squeezed the puck past a sprawling Stephen Murphy at 26.19.

The Giants evened things up at 29.12 after Pat Bateman finished off a beautiful move involving Brandon Benedict and Evan Cheverie, firing the puck over Peter Hirsch's shoulder and into the net.

Coventry's Jason Robinson ensured that his team's lead was restored, only 43 seconds after it was taken away.

In a move similar to Coventry Blaze's first goal, Robinson managed to force the puck over the line after Murphy had made the initial save. The Blaze then extended their lead to 3-1 as Greg Chambers deflected an Adam Calder shot from the blue line.

Into the third period and the Giants started with intent as they attempted to overturn Coventry's two goal lead.

Giants captain, Colin Shields got his team right back into the game after Jeff Szwez puck handled beautifully through the Coventry defensive zone and offloaded to Shields who fired a one timer past a motionless Hirsch.

The Belfast Giants then turned up the heat and again dominated possession. Shields went close as Hirsch denied him at the back door with an impressive glove save.

However, Coventry seemed intent on ruining a lively Belfast crowd as Greg Chambers scored his second goal of the game and his team's fourth and effectively sealing the game for the Blaze.

The Giants made Coventry sweat out the last few minutes after Jeff Szwez brought the score back to 4-3 but it was not to be for the Giants who, although had the majority of possession, failed to convert their chances.

On Sunday night the Giants travel to Coventry knowing that a win will take the Belfast side back to the summit of the Elite League.

(Match report courtesy of LBM Belfast Giants)

© UTV News