Elite League: Belfast Giants 6-2 Nottingham Panthers

Colin Shields scored the Giants' first and last goals against Nottingham

The Belfast Giants recovered from an early deficit to beat Nottingham Panthers 6-2 in the Elite League.

Andy Bohmbach put the visitors in front but Colin Shields, Mike Radja and Mitch Ganzak replied in the second period.

Mike Forney extended the lead in the third period, before David Clarke pulled one back for the Panthers.

Kris Beech's smart finish and a Colin Shields goal with three seconds remaining ensured that the hosts left the SSE Arena with maximum points.

In an entertaining opening period, the visitors took the lead after five minutes through Bohmbach.

Nottingham also left their mark on the Giants' Adam Keefe, who was heavily boarded by Cam Janssen, who served a two-minute penalty for his trouble.

The home side dominated the second period, Shields scoring a superb equaliser, shooting early to arrow the puck into the top corner past Shane Madelora just 57 seconds after the restart.

Eight minutes later it was 2-1 as top scorer Radja added to his season's tally. Ganzak added a third as Nottingham reeled from the Giants' attacking play.

Forney was set up by Chris Higgins for 4-1, then Clarke responded, although there was some dispute as to whether the puck had crossed the line.

Higgins again provided the assist as Beech restored his side's three-goal advantage, Shields completing the scoring by shooting into the empty net.