Matt Miller of the Cardiff Devils is denied by a fine save from Stephen Murphy of the Belfast Giants during the Play-off final (Photo: Michael Cooper)

Belfast Giants made up for losing out on the Elite League by a point when they won Sunday's play-off final against Cardiff Devils in Nottingham.

The game ended 2-2 and, with no goals in overtime, went to a shoot-out which was decided when Evan Cheverie got the first score with the eighth attempt.

Brandon Benedict and George Awada scored to put the Giants 2-0 up.

But the Devils hit back quickly with goals in the second period from Max Birbraer and Max Birbraer.

It was a fitting end to the career of 36-year-old defenceman Shane Johnson, the only player left from the original Giants panel of 2000.

The Giants reached the final by beating hosts Nottingham Panthers on penalties after a 1-1 draw while Cardiff beat Coventry Blaze 6-3.

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