COACH Omar Pacha says Hull Stingrays deserved some reward from their 3-2 defeat to reigning champions Belfast Giants.
Eric Galbraith's smart finish put the Rapid Solicitors Stingrays ahead after just two minutes, but powerplay goals from Craig Peacock(7.30) and Colin Shields (11.56)left it 2-1 at the first break.
After a scoreless second period, Ray Sawada netted Giants' third powerplay goal inside the last 10 minutes, only for a shorthanded Carl Lauzon effort to cut the deficit a minute later.
Stingrays called a time-out and pulled goaltender David Brown but were unable to tie the score.
Pacha said: "It was a game which could have gone either way. I like the way we competed.
"It's another one-goal loss which seems to be the story of our season so far."
Stingrays started the game well, but were definitely under the cosh in the second period, facing a 19-shot barrage.
Belfast were held at bay by resolute defence, backstopped by a terrific effort from keeper Brown.
Pacha said: "I thought Browny played his best game for us. We need that from him every night and that is what we brought him in for.
"He kept us in the game and he made some great saves. Hopefully he can build off that because if he is our best player we have a good chance of winning more games."
