Sanford gives Devils winning edge over Giants

Cardiff Devils won an Elite League thriller against Belfast Giants in an end-to-end tussle at the Vindico Arena on Friday.

Brett Perlini and Ben Davies scored to give Devils a handy lead, but Nicolas Guay got Giants on the scoreboard before the end of the first period.

Goals continued to flow in a back and forth second period, with Brandon Whistle equalising for Giants only for Josh MacDonald and Cole Sanford to re-establish a two-score lead.

But a power-play goal by Jordan Kawaguchi meant Giants would go into the final period just 4-3 behind.

Neither side could find a crucial score in an edgy third period until the dying moments. Giants went for an empty net play in search of a tying goal to extend the game, but Devils won possession and Sanford struck his second of the night to seal a 5-3 win.

Devils are neck and neck with second place Sheffield Steelers who they visit on Sunday, while Giants host Dundee Stars the same evening.