Fife Flyers served up a glorious revenge win over Belfast Giants in front of a bumper crowd.

The 9-0 whitewash they endured in Belfast on Boxing Day was wiped out with a superb 4-3 win which went all the way to penalty shots. It was a huge win for the team which needs points on the board to kick-start its play-off aspirations - and set them up for a crucial New Year double header against Dundee Stars when they simply have to deliver four points.

Former NHLers David Booth and Milan Lucic marked his home debuts by getting on the scoresheet - Lucic providing the pass for Booth to hit the net after 13 minutes to ignite this game.

Flyers looked good in the opening period and deserved their lead. They soaked up some pressure and also created chances - but the tables turned in the middle period as Giants stepped up their game. They kept netminder Christian Purboo and his defencemen busy, with several close calls, and timely saves. Giants were handed an early powerplay opportunity, but it was Fife who almost struck as Johan Porsberger raced clear and set up Garet Hunt, with his touch being stopped by netminder Alexis Gravel. A second breakaway saw Simon Depres slip and shoot as he turned, creating a moment of panic in Giants goal.

Anton Karlsson celebrates his goal with Fife Flyers (Pic: Jillian McFarlane)

placeholder image — Anton Karlsson celebrates his goal with Fife Flyers (Pic: Jillian McFarlane)

Flyers then ran into a brief flurry of penalties, giving Giants’ special team the chance to finally strike - Nicholas Guay hitting the net in the last second of a minor call against Garet Hunt at 32:57.

They struck again with Booth called for tripping, and Jordan Kawaguchi netting at 33:39.

A third goal at 35:31 threatened to derail Flyers - Ciarin Long burying a puck lying loose among several players - but they grabbed a lifeline when Josh Winquist converted off a pass from Anton Karlsson at 38:24. Karlsson then struck with a superb rebound off Winquist shot just seconds into powerplay after 47 minutes when Giants’ netminder was called for dislodging his nets under real pressure.

Both sides had great chances as the period unfolded, but ultimately this game went to overtime where Fife could have won it through Booth and also a last gasp strike from Ian Scheid. In the penalty shoot out, Karlsson delivered the winner in round two to set the rink alight with noise.

Jamie Russell, head coach, said: “The response was fantastic which shows the character of this team. It isn't how you get knocked down, it's how you get back up.”