Giants turn focus to Cardiff after mixed weekend results

The Belfast Giants are turning their focus to another big Elite League clash, this time with the Cardiff Devils, after mixed fortunes against the Sheffield Steelers over the weekend.

The Giants won out 2-1 over the Steelers in overtime at the SSE Arena on Saturday, but lost 4-1 the following day.

Derrick Walser’s side took the early lead in Sunday’s game, but conceded two quick goals before the end of the first period.

“I thought we had a real good start to the game,” the coach said.

“But we gave up two goals inside two minutes and it took the wind out of our sails … They were just better. I’m not going to sugar-coat it.”

However, Walser said that he felt things could have been different had the Giants not conceded that third goal as he was proud of their effort right to the end.

Although he acknowledged the strength of the Steelers, the coach also admitted that he felt their three key goals all came from mistakes by his side.

The Giants do still sit second in the league standings though and continue to chase the leaders.

“We’re still right in the hunt and I like where we are,” Walser said, adding that he would give the team a couple of days off before digging in to work on facing their next opponents.

And with the Giants set to travel to Cardiff on Saturday, they will have the chance to take points off the Devils as they battle to hold onto their top spot.

“This week is strictly two days off, focus in on Cardiff, and make sure we go there with a great game plan and try to execute it,” Walser said.

“They (the Devils) went on a real quick run and everyone’s gonna go up and down.

“Sheffield lost a couple and then they’re back on track. We’ve had like two losses over the last 13 games ...

"We’re happy with where our team’s going – we’re going in the right direction.”