The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Stars’ play-off hopes dealt blow after losing to Giants
Dundee Stars’ bid to make the playoffs suffered a blow last night when they went down 6-3 at Elite League title-chasing Belfast Giants.
The victory knocks long-time league-leaders Cardiff Devils off the top of the table but leaves Dundee four points adrift of a play-off place.
Derrick Walser opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Justin Faryna opened Dundee’s account two minutes later. Blair Riley’s power play goal one second from the end of the session edged Belfast ahead.
Cale Tanaka levelled after 29 minutes only for former Edinburgh Capitals hit-man David Rutherford to claim Giants’ third.
Faryna netted to make it 3-3 but three third-period strikes from Michael Quesnele, Jim Vandermeer and Alex Foster sealed victory for Belfast.
Stars entertain Nottingham Panthers tomorrow night as they seek their first win over the men from the Lace City on Tayside this season.
Meanwhile Fife Flyers face an anxious wait to see if two key players will be fit to ice in this weekend’s double-header.
The unnamed duo will be assessed ahead of the trip to Manchester Storm tonight and tomorrow’s home test against Belfast.
Coach Todd Dutiaume admitted this was another key weekend for play-off chasing Flyers.
He said: “We’re looking for points every weekend. Manchester are in a play-off chase and so are we.
Dundee Tigers travel to title-chasing Aberdeen Lynx tonight in the Scottish National League.