Stingrays discover home comforts

It made up for Saturday night's 5-3 reverse in front of their own fans at the hands of league leaders Belfast Giants and also snapped a four-game losing streak.

After falling behind to a 14th-minute Dale Mahovsky opener for Newcastle, Stingrays took control in the second period, drawing level less than a minute after the restart on the powerplay through Matti Uusivirta before the 25-year-old Finn grabbed his second of the night at 23.51.

Jereme Tendler made it 3-1 on the powerplay at 36.44 before Patrik Forsbacka made it a one-goal game again early in the third. Any nerves were dispelled, however, when Tendler struck again on the powerplay at 55.40 to seal points in a game which saw the home side out-shoot their opponents 43-24

On Saturday, an injury-struck Belfast just had too much for Hull, although player-coach Sylvain Cloutier's side almost pulled back a four-goal deficit after finding themselves down 5-1 midway through the third.

Konstantin Kalmikov and Tendler – who had already scored in the seventh minute – both found the net with five minutes still remaining and it required a number of top-drawer saves from Giants goaltender Stephen Murphy to ensure the visitors took both points.

It was a similar situation in Cardiff for an injury-ravaged Sheffield Steelers' on Sunday after they came close to sealing a memorable fightback after slipping 4-0 behind to the Devils.

Ashley Tait made it 4-1 before Tom Squires grabbed his first goal for the club. Jeff Legue – playing as a defenceman - made it a one-goal game on the powerplay at 45.36 but, as Steelers pushed for an equaliser, Jon Pelle made the points safe on the powerplay for the hosts.

On Saturday, Steelers continued rebuilding their Challenge Cup Group B hopes when two goals apiece from Legue and Jason Hewitt sealed a comfortable 4-1 home win over Coventry. With only 13 out-skaters, player-coach Simon described the performance as Steelers' "smartest" of the season.

Defenceman Jerramie Domish (ankle) missed the trip to Cardiff but Simon said he hoped the 31-year-old blue liner and forward Rob Globke (concussion) would return in time for Wednesday night's Challenge Cup tie against Nottingham Panthers.

Captain Jonathan Phillips is out long-term with a knee ligament injury while it's believed defenceman Mark Thomas (ankle) could return by mid-November.