Elite League: Belfast Giants inflict punishment on Capitals

Kris Beech hit two goals in Belfast's win in the Scottish capital

Belfast Giants got their series of festive fixtures off to a winning start as they earned a comprehensive 7-2 Elite League win over Edinburgh.

Player-coach Derrick Walser put the Giants ahead and after Jacob Johnston levelled, the Giants then notched four unanswered goals in Scotland.

Kris Beech, James Desmarais, Darryl Lloyd and Mike Radja were on target as they Giants moved into their 5-1 lead.

David Rutherford replied before further Mike Forney and Beech goals.

The sides will meet again in the Scottish capital on Sunday evening with a 17:30 GMT face off.

On Saturday, Walser opened the scoring in the third minute and while Johnston levelled two minutes later, Beech's first goal restored Belfast's lead seconds before the end of the first period.

Further strikes from Desmarais and Lloyd increased the Giants advantage to 4-1 by the end of the second period before Radja fired in Belfast's fifth goal.

Rutherford cut Belfast's lead to 5-2 in the 45th minute but Forney and Beech added further final-period Giants goals.