Mixed weekend for Belfast Giants as Coventry win followed by Cardiff defeat
Belfast Giants experienced contrasting fortunes on their first Elite League weekend of the season, winning 1-0 at Coventry Blaze on Saturday before losing 5-2 at Cardiff Devils on Sunday.
Jake Gaudet scored in both games, while goaltender Jake Kupsky delivered a shutout in Coventry.
Coventry Blaze 0–1 Belfast Giants: Gaudet settles tight contest
Saturday’s game on 10 October remained scoreless through the opening period, with Kupsky and Coventry’s Evan Fitzpatrick keeping both attacks at bay.
Belfast eventually broke through at 32:38 when Gaudet redirected Mason Klee’s shot into the net.
The narrow advantage meant the Giants still had work to do. Kupsky denied Colby MacArthur early in the final period and later produced a double save against Jaxson Ezman and Brett Perlini.
Belfast held on to secure victory in their league opener, with Kupsky recording his second successive shutout.
Cardiff Devils 5–2 Belfast Giants: Early lead slips away
Sunday’s match at the Vindico Arena began with Josh MacDonald putting Cardiff ahead at 4:08.
Gaudet equalised at 7:35 before captain David Goodwin struck on the power play at 14:26, giving Belfast a 2-1 first-period lead.
Cardiff responded through Riley Brandt’s power-play equaliser at 31:18, leaving the teams level going into the final period.
Ryan Barrow put the Devils ahead at 44:38. MacDonald added his second at 51:01 before Brandt completed the scoring into an empty net.
The defeat left Adam Keefe’s side with one win and one loss from their opening two league games.
Giants return home
Belfast next face Glasgow Clan in the Challenge Cup at The O2 Belfast on Saturday 17 October, with face-off at 7pm. Further information can be viewed here