Stingrays look to get even with Giants

Belfast Giants took both points with them from Hull Arena on Saturday night after defeating the Stingrays 5-3 and play host to the East Yorkshire club at the Odyssey Arena tonight.

Cloutier felt his side were unfortunate not to take a point from the eight-goal thriller on home ice at the weekend but was quick to praise the quality of Doug Christiansen's roster.

"I really felt we deserved something from the Belfast game on Saturday," said Cloutier. "Their goaltender made some big saves in the third period.

"They are the best skating team we've played against so far this season and they will take some beating – they are so talented.

"But we gave them a good game and hopefully we can do that again. We have to out-work them and make them tired as the game goes on and limit our mistakes."

Stingrays will again be missing forward Ryan Lake who missed the latter stages of Saturday's defeat after damaging his thumb.

He joins fellow forward Lee Mitchell (knee) on the sidelines along with the Scot's younger defenceman brother Craig Mitchell, who is recovering from a broken arm.

"I am pretty gutted," said Lake, who only returned to the game this season after a five-year absence. "I went to hit a guy in the corner, misjudged the hit and fell into the boards and hurt my hand.

"I had an X-ray at the hospital where it showed I have damaged one of the bones in my thumb. I should get the cast off in two weeks, they will X-ray it again and advise me what to do from there."

Cloutier admitted Lake's energy and character would be missed over the next fortnight.

"He is a fire plug for us," said Cloutier. "He brings us energy, he is great in the room too.

"He has been around and you can tell he is starting to be more comfortable and taken that leadership role. We will miss him."