Paxton Schulte found the net twice as the Belfast Giants beat London Knights

The Belfast Giants extended their unbeaten record to 12 games on Wednesday as they comfortably overcame the London Knights in their first play-off match.

Just two days after being pipped to the league crown by Sheffield Steelers, Dave Whistle's side showed clinical finishing at the London Arena.

Powerplay goals from Paxton Schulte had the Giants 2-0 up inside the opening seven minutes before Dennis Maxwell scored for the Knights towards the end of the first period.

Belfast scored three in a devastating seven-minute spell in the second period with Dave Matsos, Steve Thornton and Colin Ward all finding the net.

Mo Mansi scored the second for the Knights on the powerplay while Schulte was serving a tripping penalty.

But Japenese international Ryan Kuwabara had the last word for Belfast with goal number six in the final period.

Belfast's second play-off fixture is away to Bracknell on Thursday night.