Glasgow’s Braehead Clan battled hard in Belfast, but couldn’t complete the job as the Giants took the points in a 4-2 game.
John Tripp and his side looked to make it three wins in a row heading into the Hogmanay meeting with Dundee Stars as they ventured over the water to Belfast Giants.
The home side looked to make it two wins from two after a run of road games that ended at Braehead last week when they lost 3-2.
But Clan weren’t there to give them a hand with that as they made life difficult for the Giants, which saw both teams go in goalless after the first period.
It took six minutes of the second period before there was a breakthrough as Jacob Doty slotted home on the powerplay as Giants captain Blair Riley sat for hooking.
But the home skipper made amends just over a couple of minutes later when he finished one to equalise after being set up by David Rutherford.
Clan were ahead again by the end of the second session though Tyler Shattock as they looked to make it two wins inside five days over Adam Keefe’s side.
Belfast hit back to level again in the third period through Spiro Goulakos to tie the game at two with 13 minutes to play.
Rutherford’s penalty shot could have put the Giants in front, but it was denied on that occasion.
However Steve Saviano got the all-important goal to swing the contest in Belfast’s favour in the final few minutes.
Then former Clan forward Matt Towe added an empty net goal in the dying seconds to ensure the points stayed in Northern Ireland.
