Cardiff Devils crowned Elite League champions after win over Giants in Belfast

The Cardiff Devils celebrate their Elite League title win in Belfast. Credit: Presseye

The Cardiff Devils have won the Elite League title for the second year running after defeating the Belfast Giants with 20 seconds to spare.

The sides met at the SSE Arena on Friday night, with the Giants having already won the Challenge Cup by beating the Devils in Cardiff.

But, despite a close-run game, the tables were turned on the hosts.

The Giants and Devils in action in Belfast. Credit: Presseye

The Giants took the lead over their opponents when the side's all-timing leading scorer Colin Shields grabbed the opening goal from a Steve Saviano assist.

However, the Devils struck back almost immediately with a goal from Joey Martin - assisted by Matt Pope - and it was still 1-1 at the end of the first period.

Colin Shields, who scored the opening Belfast Giants' goal, in action. Credit: Presseye

In the second period, it was Cardiff that forged ahead first.

Pope struck to score unassisted past Chris Truehl in the Belfast net.

The Giants and Devils battle it out on the ice in Belfast. Credit: Presseye

Barely five minutes later, Giants defenceman Spiro Goulakos restored parity once again.

His goal, assisted by David Rutherford and Brendan Connolly, made it 2-2 and left it all still to play for in the final period of action.

Spiro Goulakos scored for the Belfast Giants to level the game back up. Credit: Presseye

And in that third period, Andrew Hotham's unassisted powerplay goal with just 20 seconds left on the clock proved the decider.

Cardiff took the two points and it was enough for their reigning champions to secure the title for another season.

The Cardiff Devils celebrate with fans who travelled to Belfast for the game. Credit: Presseye

For the Giants, it will be back to league action again on Saturday night as they take on the Fife Flyers in their St Patrick's Day clash.