Coming off a three-week break, the Belfast Giants welcomed Skellefteå AIK to Northern Ireland. Things were off to a hot start with Elias Salomonsson called for hooking with just 37 seconds on the clock.

Belfast would soon get their own calls with Mark Cooper sent off for holding and Mark Garside for hooking. The Swedes were quick to capitalise on their man-advantage, with Max Lindholm getting one in the net, assisted by Joakim Lindström and Andreas Wingerli. Despite good efforts by Belfast, they'd close the first frame without getting anything on the board, with a 1-0 lead for the away team.

Right off the gates of the second period, the Giants came alive with the equaliser thanks to a shorthanded goal by Steven Owre and Sam Ruopp with the assist. Just over two minutes later, Sam Ruopp would continue to make things happen, giving Belfast a 2-1 lead assisted by Tyler Soy and Gabe Bast.

The final frame brought tripping calls for both sides and a slashing penalty for Will Cullen resulting in a penalty shot but Skellefteå were unable to make something happen. All was not lost, however, when Filip Sandberg closed the gap at the 47:50 minute mark.

Within touching distance, Andreas Wingerli snuck one passed Peyton Jones to give Skellefteå their first lead of the game at 3-2 and then followed it up with an empty net goal. 

Despite Belfast’s strong fight, Skellefteå take the 4-2 win and most importantly sealed their Playoffs hopes for 2022/23.