Belfast Giants beat Manchester Storm 5–4 after dramatic overtime winner

Belfast Giants survived a remarkable late comeback from Manchester Storm to secure a thrilling 5–4 overtime victory at the AO Arena on Sunday 18 October.

Patrick Guay scored the decisive goal at 62:04, just over two minutes into overtime, after the Giants had surrendered a commanding three-goal advantage during the final period.

Belfast appeared to be cruising towards victory when Scott Conway made it 4–1, but Manchester scored three unanswered goals to force extra time.

The victory completed a winning weekend for the Giants following Saturday evening’s 4–1 Challenge Cup success against Glasgow Clan in Belfast.

Manchester Storm take early lead

Manchester opened the scoring at 12:48 when Kyle Maksimovich converted a powerplay opportunity, assisted by Brady Gilmour and Brandon Cutler.

However, the Giants responded less than two minutes later.

Nicolas Guay levelled the contest at 14:11, finishing an attacking move involving Mike Lee and Jordan Kawaguchi.

The opening period ended 1–1, leaving both sides with everything to play for.

Belfast Giants take control in second period

The Giants moved ahead at 26:08 when Patrick Guay scored an unassisted goal to give the visitors a 2–1 advantage.

Ty Prefontaine extended Belfast’s lead just over four minutes later, scoring at 30:32 following an assist from Morten Jensen.

The goal was reviewed by officials for a possible high stick, but the review was inconclusive and the score stood.

The second period also featured a confrontation between Prefontaine and Manchester’s Kyle Locke, with both players receiving fighting penalties.

Belfast entered the final period leading 3–1.

Scott Conway extends Giants’ advantage

The visitors appeared to have taken complete control when Scott Conway scored at 46:25.

Conway converted following an assist from JJ Piccinich, giving Belfast a commanding 4–1 lead.

However, Manchester refused to surrender.

Maksimovich scored his second goal of the evening at 51:56 to reduce the deficit to 4–2.

The home side continued to press as the clock ran down, setting up a dramatic conclusion to regulation time.

Manchester score twice in final minute

With Belfast seemingly heading towards victory, Manchester produced an extraordinary late comeback.

Brady Gilmour scored a powerplay goal at 59:08, reducing the deficit to a single goal with just 52 seconds remaining.

The Storm then struck again at 59:46.

Anton Karlsson found the net following assists from Brandon Cutler and Maksimovich, completing the comeback with only 14 seconds left on the clock.

Manchester’s three unanswered goals had transformed a seemingly comfortable Belfast victory into a 4–4 contest.

The match consequently headed into overtime.

Patrick Guay delivers overtime winner

Despite the disappointment of surrendering their lead, Belfast responded positively in the additional period.

At 62:04, Patrick Guay scored his second goal of the evening, assisted by Kaleb Pearson.

The goal secured a dramatic 5–4 victory for the Giants and ensured they returned from Manchester with two valuable Elite League points.

Guay finished the evening with two goals, while Nicolas Guay, Ty Prefontaine and Scott Conway also found the net.

For Manchester, Maksimovich scored twice, with Gilmour and Karlsson adding the other goals.

The game attracted an attendance of 5,359 at the AO Arena.

Giants complete winning weekend

Sunday’s victory followed Belfast’s 4–1 Challenge Cup success against Glasgow Clan on Saturday evening.

The Giants will now turn their attention to another away fixture when they face Fife Flyers in the Challenge Cup on Wednesday 21 October.

The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm at Fife Ice Arena.

Belfast then travel to Glasgow Clan on Friday 23 October for another Elite League encounter.

Club website: Belfast Giants