Stingrays keep pace in race for play-offs

Sylvain Cloutier’s team have been in the bottom two of the overall league standings since December 8.

But Saturday night’s thrilling 5-3 win over Dundee Stars at Hull Arena – combined with a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Belfast for Braehead – lifted them into the eighth and final play-off spot, and saw Dundee replace them at the foot of the table.

Last night, Dundee beat Fife to leapfrog Hull, who lost 3-1 at home to Nottingham Panthers and the play-off battle looks like going down to the wire.

On a thrilling Saturday night in Hull, the Stingrays got off to the perfect start when Dominic Osman gave them the lead.

Former Hull forward Janis Ozolins – jettisoned by Cloutier in January – levelled before Stars’ player-coach Jeff Hutchins edged them ahead.

But the home side held their nerve in a must-win game and hauled themselves level through Matty Davies. Billy Bagron again edged the visitors ahead, but three goals in as many minutes – from Cloutier, Davies and Jason Silverthorn – saw the home side over the line.

Last night, the Panthers won their ninth consecutive game.

Kelsey Wilson put the visitors ahead after just 19 seconds, before goals from David-Alexandre Beauregard and David Clarke sealed the win, with Alec Smith scoring the home side’s solitary goal.

Sheffield Steelers pushed Nottingham close at the National Ice Centre on Saturday, but couldn’t prevent the hosts running out 2-0 winners, with goals from Guillaume Lepine and David Clarke. Last night, Sheffield bounced back with a 5-4 win at Cardiff Devils, Rod Sarich scoring the winner.