Belfast Giants' hopes of qualifying for the play-offs were ended by their 3-0 defeat by Cardiff Devils on Wednesday. Vezio Sacratini put Dave Whistle's side ahead on 17:00 and the same player was on target again on 27:31 to extend Cardiff's lead.
Jon Cullen added Cardiff's third goal on 48:45.
Belfast had to win their last three games to have any chance of making the play-off and also needed other results to go their way.
Wednesday's result means that Thursday's home game against Sheffield and Saturday's encounter against Cardiff at the Odyssey Arena are dead rubbers as far as the Giants are concerned.
The Giants drew 5-5 with the Sheffield Steelers on Tuesday.
They were 2-1 up after the first period with Shane Johnson and George Awada netting after Les Millie's opener.
Johnson netted again in the second period but Sheffield led 4-3 with Erick Anderson (2) and Mike Peron on target.
Fredrik Nasvall and Jason Bowen scored for Belfast in the final period with Daryl Andrews on target for Sheffield.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 