Scott Conway went from almost villain to hero as he pockets the shootout winner in the sixth round for the Giants.

When you’re in a title chase sometimes it doesn’t matter how you win, just that you do.

After failing to turn up for two periods the Giants delivered a third period that dragged themselves back into the game and with Sheffield and Nottingham both winning, that shootout carried with it a big second point.

Guildford will count themselves unlucky - two great periods gave them the lead but they’ll regret not taking advantage of the powerplay in overtime.

Giants kill a penalty to Scott Conway in the middle of overtime.

Tom McCollum, a couple of superb stops.

And so to the shootout….

The Giants have salvaged a point…

Off to overtime - 3-on-3 for five minutes - goal the winner

Another big point on the table….

A bench minor for too many men on the ice that the Flames vehemently disagreed with.

Seconds later David Goodwin sets up JJ Piccinich to tie the game.

2:45 remaining…

It’s been all Giants (why did it take them 40 minutes to get going?) but they haven’t dragged themselves out of the hole they dug yet.

Bizarre goal as Bobo Carpenter, on a delayed penalty call, somehow manages to score of a deflection.

Game on….

Sheffield, Nottingham and Cardiff all winning after two periods.

Not sure Giants coach Adam Keefe included that in his team talk but he’ll be wanting a huge improvement in his side’s performance as they trail by two heading into the final period.

Not much for the home fans to cheer about in that second period but instead of focusing on the poor performance from the Giants let’s give credit to the Flames.

Well worth the lead heading into the final period

Image source, Press Eye

It’s been coming and with their first powerplay the visitors restore the two-goal lead.

Well taken by Joshua Waller….

Still some sloppy play from the Giants and Tom McCollum has had to make three really important saves to keep this a one-goal game.

Giants just not clicking tonight but we’re only halfway through the game.

The Flames have already doubled the number of goals that they scored on their previous three visits to Belfast.

What will the second period hold?

Off we go….

Image source, Press Eye

Credit the Flames - an aggressive forecheck forced mistakes from the Giants and led to that two-goal lead and this arena was stunned.

However that powerplay goal from the Giants might have changed the first intermission locker room chats for both coaches.

Image source, Press Eye

First powerplay of the game goes the way of the Giants and they take full advantage.

Captain Mark Cooper drags the puck from the side of the net and roofs it.

Giants needed that….

Image source, Press Eye

You can hear a pin drop in the SSE Arena.

Horrible turnover by the Giants in their own zone and one pass later the puck is in the back of their net courtesy of Ethan Strang.

Image source, Press Eye

Couple of stong shifts from the Giants but off target on the range at the moment.

More shots missing the net that forcing Eamon McAdam into a save

The Flames in front thanks to a shot that bobbled through on goal, deceived Tom McCollum, hit the post and Austin Glover tapped home the rebound.

Poor play from the Giants as they turned the puck over in their own zone

Image source, Press Eye

The Giants Tom McCollum and Eamon McAdam for the Flames are tonight’s starting netminders.

The a full fixture list this evening as the race to the title is about to enter the final 20 games.

The game is on….

Welcome to the SSE Arena in Belfast for tonight’s Elite League clash between the Belfast Giants and Guildford Flames.

Guildford are looking for their first win here since November 2023.

On their last three trips to Belfast, the Flames have only scored two goals, and were shut out on their previous visit this season 2-0.

League leaders Belfast were beaten in Dundee last Sunday, their first defeat in eight games.

They lead the league by seven points, although have played a game more than the chasing pack.

Image source, BBC Sport