If there was any doubt that the Belfast Giants were serious about their desire to win a second straight treble, it evaporated into the autumn air on Saturday [23 September] as Adam Keefe’s side came from behind to demolish the Dundee Stars 6-2 in the Challenge Cup.
The Giants, who defeated Dundee 4-1 in the curtain raiser a day earlier, were stunned by a pair of quickfire goals from Marc LeFebvre’s squad but snapped back with six unanswered strikes to ensure they would take four points from four to start the season.
Keefe played an important role at the Dundee Ice Arena, calling his timeout just five minutes into the contest after a dismal start from the Giants.
With that in mind, here are three way-to-soon talking points about the Elite League’s defending regular-season, playoff, and cup champions.
Belfast Giants’ Quinn Preston dominates on debut Elite League weekend
Quinn Preston has made a near-immaculate start to life in Belfast, with three goals in his first two domestic appearances for the Giants.
The 1997-born forward led Keefe’s squad in expected goals in both parts of their home and home series versus the Stars, not least because he was always available for the puck in the offensive zone.
Preston is above water in the faceoff circle, plus-five in on-ice goal-differential, and has hit the target with 10 out of his first 19 shots of the season.
The American, who logged a smudge over 25 minutes of ice time on Saturday, is flanked by Gregg Printz and Ara Nazarian on Belfast’s top offensive unit and already looks the part as a de-facto replacement for Scott Conway.
Charlie Curti confidently anchors Belfast Giants’ top defensive pair
Charlie Curti has already established himself as the No. 1 defenceman in Belfast.
The 28-year-old, who posted 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 39 ECHL appearances last season, looks comfortable in all situations with his new team and already looks smart value in the time on ice sweepstakes.
Curti has already surpassed the 45-minute mark in game time on the season and for good reason – he skates confidently, defends commandingly with his body and stick, and is a threat with the puck in his possession.
Stapled to Jacob Friend on Keefe’s top pair, Curti’s form will be crucial as the Giants plot another title tilt this term.
Belfast Giants suffocate high-danger scoring chances versus Dundee Stars
While Keefe was unhappy to concede twice in the opening minutes on Saturday, the Giants have mainly played solid defensive hockey to start the season.
Belfast only allowed three high-danger scoring chances on the opening weekend, limiting the Stars to looks outside the slot.
Granted, the Giants will face tougher challenges over the course of the season and their play was far from perfect in Dundee.
Even so, Keefe’s men deserve credit for starting the campaign on such a stingy note – they will be difficult to beat if they keep this up.
