Lessons to be learned for Fife Flyers

Evan Bloodoff takes the acclaim after winning man of the match against Glasgow Clan on Saturday. Pic: Steve Gunn

Fife Flyers head coach Todd Dutiaume hopes his players have learned a lesson after coming within 0.6 seconds of a pointless opening weekend.

Flyers fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Belfast Giants on Sunday, having 24 hours earlier required a last gasp equaliser against Braehead Clan to force overtime.

Flyers went on to win Saturday’s dramatic match in a penalty shoot-out in front of 2800 fans, giving them two points from a possible four from their opening two Challenge Cup fixtures.

The team travelled to Sheffield Steelers last night (Wednesday) for the opening Elite League fixture of the campaign, claiming a point after a 4-3 overtime loss, before returning to the Challenge Cup group section for a home and away double header against Dundee Stars this weekend.

Dutiaume is hoping to see more consistent performances.

“You probably saw both sides of us at the weekend,” he said.

“Our first period on Saturday was our best of the weekend. I don’t think anyone could ask for any more.

“We were all over them and controlled the puck for the majority of the game.

“Clan had a bit of a pushback in the third but we showed great composure to come back from going behind with one minute 13 seconds left.

“That could have really destroyed us mentally but to come back in the last second and then win that hockey game is really a nod to the guys in that room.

“Maybe they were drained from it, or they thought it was going to be similar paced game, but everyone was disappointed with Sunday’s performance.