By Kris Smith
The Stars fell behind in the first period after a quiet opening 20 minutes was finally broken by Belfast’s David Goodwin, as he tapped in at the back post.
However, Dundee produced a massive response in the third period and capitalised on the visitors ill-discipline.
Sebastian Bengtsson netted his first powerplay of goal of night on 29 minutes to tie the game at 1-1 and then just two minutes later, Toms Rutkis tucked in a spilled shot from Tyler Beskorowany to put Dundee ahead.
Bengtsson would then bag his powerplay brace as he converted from the same spot again to double the Stars lead in the 34th minute.
A furious Adam Keefe tore into his team during the final intermission and had them fuelled up for the third period, which quickly showed when they scored on the powerplay after only 46 seconds of play.
Slater Doggett’s quick strike had the Giants back within one goal, before Cam Knight would draw them level on 50 minutes and that forced both sides back into a stalemate.
Overtime was required and the winning goal was scored after nearly three minutes of play.
Following a big save from Adam Morrison in the Dundee goal, the Stars caught Belfast attacking deep in their zone and that allowed Connor Sills to burst down the ice and beat Beskorowany one-on-one to win the extra point for the Tayside team.
Tonight, forward, Alexandre Ranger maybe joined on the side-lines by teammate Charlie Combs after he blocked a heavy shot in the first period of last night’s game and did not return.
Reflecting on last night’s overtime victory and how he wants his side to approach tonight’s rematch, Stars Head Coach, Omar Pacha said: “I am really happy for the boys, we stayed composed and found a way to win against probably the hottest team in the league.
“No matter the result last night, we knew the losing team would be scraping for a win tonight and for us, to be in the winning position, its now not time for us to content.
“We have to aim high and aim for those two points and it will be another big challenge but if we play the same way tonight and bring the same work ethic, then I am confident that we can get another big win.”
Stars forward, Charlie Combs then added: “Honestly, we had not really been set any targets this weekend, but just the expectations to come out and make sure we play a full 60 minutes.
“We are obviously playing a team that has been having a lot of success as of late and that just means we cannot take any shifts off.”
New signing, Quinn O’Brien also made his debut for Dundee last night and looking back on his first game at the DIA, he said: “I was definitely pleased with the result.
“The team battled a little bit of adversity in the third but we battled through it.
“For me personally, I felt good out there but I could obviously be better and that is what I will be pushing for in the next few games.
Discussing what they must do to achieve a similar outcome again tonight, Quinn commented: “It is important not to get too high with a big win like that and just reset the mentality and comeback ready to play tomorrow.
“Because they are going to be looking to come out of here with at least something and they got one point last night, but today, we do not want to give them anymore.”
Face-off time for tonight’s home game is at 7pm. Tickets are on sale from the DIA Box office NOW or online HERE!
