Belfast Giants handed overtime defeat in Nottingham

Craig Peacock scored two of Belfast's goals in their 4-3 over-time defeat by Nottingham

The Belfast Giants were edged out 4-3 in overtime by Nottingham Panthers in Saturday's Elite League game.

Goals from Greg Jacina and Nathan Robinson put the Panthers 2-0 up after the first period and Robert Lachowicz then extended the home team's lead.

But Daryl Lloyd and Craig Peacock replied before the end of period two.

Peacock's second goal levelled in the third period and a shoot-out looked on the cards before Bruce Graham hit Nottingham's winner late in overtime.

With the Giants without injured Mark McCutcheon and Kevin Saurette, the Panthers bossed the first period with Jacina scoring after only 41 seconds and Robinson doubling the lead on 4:40.

Lachowicz extended Nottingham's lead with a powerplay goal on 28:05 before Lloyd opened Belfast's account on 35:05 after being set up by Robby Sandrock and Davy Phillips.

Peacock further cut into Nottingham's lead 13 seconds before the end of the second period after good work by Evan Cheverie and Sandrock.

Cheverie was provider again for Peacock's equaliser on 46:52 and both netminders made great saves in the closing minutes in normal time.

The Panthers had the better chances in the five minutes of overtime and their pressure eventually yielded Graham's winning goal.

Despite the defeat, Belfast earn one league point for bring the match to overtime.

Belfast will be back in action in Coventry on Tuesday evening.