In an all-important match-up between two teams still vying for a spot in the Round of 16, the Belfast Giants sunk one with five seconds to go in OT to best Red Bull Salzburg in dramatic fashion to the delight of the home crowd as the team from Northern Ireland has yet to concede a goal on home ice this season.
29-year-old Daniel Tedesco scored the game-winner and to hear him tell it, the play developed thanks to a mix of opportunity, proper spacing, and a bit of luck.
First, the opportunity.
“I was exhausted,” he starts. “I thought I turned it over in the middle and then the player skated by it and when I got it back, I just heard everyone screaming go.”
Now, the spacing.
“I saw [Quinn Preston] flying up beside me and I realised it was a 2-on-1, so I slid it over to Q and I knew he was going to give it back and he did.”
Finally, the luck.
“I just knew I had to go backhand and luckily it went post and in.”
"It was a great team effort, one of the hardest games I’ve ever played"- Daniel Tedesco, Belfast Giants
What transpired within those six seconds brought the entire Belfast faithful to their feet as the hosts kept their hopes of playing Playoff hockey alive.
Feeding off the fans’ energy has been something Belfast have done routinely this season, and in their match against Salzburg, it was no different.
How big of a part do they play in the club’s success?
“It’s always so electric and fun to play in front of these fans here,” Tedesco noted, “so I think they always play a part in our games here.”
With another win to their credit and their chances at playing in the CHL Playoffs still a possibility, how does the team feel about its play against the Austrians and their ability to battle through adversity?
“It was a great team effort, it was one of the hardest games I’ve ever played. They’re a really good team but we showed a lot of character today and we came out on top,” he explained.
Regarding how they will prepare for their upcoming contest against Playoff qualifier Dynamo Pardubice, Tedesco spoke candidly.
“We’re going to try and take it one game at a time. We know that’s a big one coming up, but we also have two big ones coming up this weekend, so just one game at a time and we’ll battle through.”