The Belfast Giants suffered a backlash from the Mulhouse Scorpions on Saturday night as the French visitors recovered from Friday night's 7-0 mauling by Sodertalje of Sweden.

Mulhouse had been torn apart in the opening game of the BT Belfast Ice Cup but the French side showed the Odyssey fans what they are capable of with a display full of heart against the Giants.

The Giants were on top during the first period, but couldn't find a way through.

Their task became more difficult when Lee Sorochan was expelled from the game and Robby Sandrock was later hit with a 10 minute misconduct penalty.

The Scorpions took the lead just four minutes into the second period when Olivier Coqueux broke the deadlock.

The Giants levelled early in the second period with Paul Kruse quick to fire the loose puck into the net after Kory Karlander had created the opening.

But Guillaume Chassard made it 2-1 to the Scorpions with 12 minutes still left.

In the closing stages, Giants coach Dave Whistle withdrew goaltender Colin Ryder which enabled Lionel Bilbao to seal the win with an empty net goal a second from time.

"They worked hard for all three periods and made things very difficult for us," said Giants coach Dave Whistle.

"They kept coming at us and played well, but we showed a lack of discipline screaming at the referee when the calls he made were good calls".