It’s now four wins from four games for the Belfast Giants so far this season, with Adam Keefe’s men romping home to a 5-0 victory over the Dundee Stars at the Dundee Ice Arena on Sunday evening.
The win is the third time the men in teal have beaten the Scottish side so far in this campaign, but Sunday’s win was the most comprehensive yet.
Kyle Osterberg, Scott Conway, JJ Piccinich, and Jordan Kawaguchi all got on the scoresheet as the Giants demonstrated their usual attacking prowess but, perhaps more significantly for Adam Keefe and his coaching staff, his side appeared to have addressed some of the defensive concerns from earlier performances this season.
Keefe’s men appeared to have the game wrapped up in the opening period, immediately putting the Scottish side on the ropes with three goals before sealing the game with a further strike just after the half-hour mark.
The perfect start for the Giants came from a Mike Lee effort which was initially saved before Kyle Osterberg smashed in the rebound to give his side an early lead.
An early powerplay gave the Giants a chance to extend their lead with Scott Conway rifling a shot into the top corner.
The men in teal once again capitalised on their one-man advantage just before the first break, with J.J. Piccinich plucking the puck out of the air before firing in the Giant’s third goal of the game with a skilful finish.
Dundee grew into the game slightly, but any hopes of a comeback were put to bed by a second strike from Conway who - after a brilliant save from goalie Jackson Whistle at the other end of the rink - applied the finishing touches to an incisive assist from Piccinich.
Back-and-forth action followed, but the Giants continued to control the game into the third period and were eventually rewarded for their efforts, with Jordan Kawaguchi scoring with a long-range effort to put the icing on the cake following a dominant performance.
An efficient penalty kill and clean sheet will be particularly pleasing to the Giant’s coaching staff who have been working hard in training to resolve defensive frailties.
The Giants will seek to continue the momentum from their most complete performance so far this season as they turn their attention towards preparing to face Manchester Storm and reigning league champions, Sheffield Steelers, next weekend.
