Ice Hockey: Capitals head north after Giants slaying

The short-handed squad, with only nine skaters, suffered their 44th defeat of a nightmare season when they went down 12-2 at title-chasing Belfast Giants.

Former Capitals forwards Dan Welch and Mark Garside both claimed doubles along with Glasgow-born Colin Shields in the runaway win in which the Scots were outshot 63-13.

The league bottom-markers once again competed in the first period and were only 3-1 down at the first break when defenceman Jan Safar struck but Giants upped the pace in the second to win it 7-0.

Belfast, coached by former Edinburgh playcaller Doug Christiansen, then cruised to their 38th win in 51 matches by winning the third 5-1, Jeff Hutchins scoring Capitals' consolation second. Belfast are now a point behind leaders Sheffield Steelers and both teams have three matches left.

Capitals playcaller Scott Neil said: "It is all about getting this season over and planning for next."

Neil may be low key but it's a different story at Dundee as Dan Ceman's rookies eye a play-off spot.

The coach said: "This is an extremely important game for us. The guys know that if they win then we have a place in the play-offs and that's been our goal all season."