Cardiff Devils hold off Belfast Giants for win

Cardiff Devils edged Belfast Giants 2-1 in a fierce Elite League encounter at the Vindico Arena on Saturday night.

A tight opening period ended scoreless, although Giants thought they had taken the lead only for the score to be chalked off after a coach's challenge for interference on Devils goaltender Ben Bowns.

Devils then took a slender advantage in the second period when Cedric Lacroix and Brandon Estes combined for Jimmy Oligny to grab the first goal of the game.

Brett Perlini doubled Devils' lead early in the final period, only for JJ Piccinich to pull one back for Giants on the powerplay after Josh MacDonald was called for tripping.

The visitors went all out to find a late equaliser with an empty-net play to take the game into overtime, but could not find find a way through as Devils held out to remain third in the table - with Giants six points back but having played three games fewer.

Devils complete their weekend action on Sunday evening when they take on Glasgow Clan at the Vindico Arena (17:00 GMT).