Elite League: Nottingham Panthers 2-6 Belfast Giants

Sebastien Sylvestre's goals helped Belfast maintain their strong challenge for the Elite League title

Sebastien Sylvestre's hat-trick helped Belfast Giants earn an impressive 6-2 victory over Nottingham Panthers in Sunday's Elite League game.

Nottingham twice led in the first period with Jim Vandermeer and Sylvestre notching equalisers.

However, Brendan Connolly put Belfast ahead early in the second period before two more Sylvestre goals came either side of a David Rutherford strike.

Mark Derlago and Tim Billingsley hit Nottingham's first-period goals.

With all the clubs near the top of the table also in action on Sunday, Belfast started the match level on points with leaders Cardiff although the Devils had two games in hand.

Nottingham started Sunday's round of fixtures a point off the pace in third spot although they had three games in hand on Belfast and had played a game less than Cardiff.

Cardiff are facing Braehead on Sunday with fourth-placed Sheffield taking on Fife.