GLASGOW Clan head coach Pete Russell joked his team should play tired every week after they whitewashed Elite League title challengers Belfast Giants 5-0 following a ruthless performance by his team.

His weary battlers had lost twice in the Northern Irish capital on Thursday and Saturday but turned form on its head to produce a result that keeps them in the frame for a third-place finish, something that left Russell delighted afterwards.

“We looked tired on Thursday and I think the travel had got to us a little,” he said.

“Saturday was a bad start and we never recovered against a good team. But we had the start and put them on the back foot.

“We had a big crowd and make sure we put in a good display. When you’re tired, less is more. Maybe they should be tired every week.

The Gazette: Clan lifted the Gardiner Conference title after the win over the Giants Clan lifted the Gardiner Conference title after the win over the Giants

“We played our game and it worked out for us. Due to the fatigue, I made a point of making things simple. I didn’t do any video and kept everything short. I just simplified five or six things and encouraged them to battle through.”

A shutout from Joel Rumpell sent the Clan on their way to revenge against the Giants. 

Vaclav Stupka, Rasmus Bjerrum, Gerard Hanson, Scott Pitt and Brendan Connolly all found the net. 

The Clan travel to face the Sheffield Steelers tonight and Russell spoke of the importance of getting results at home. 

“We now go into a stretch of four games in four tough venues and that’s why your home games are important,” he added. “It was a huge two points and good to bounce back from two performances that weren’t the best.”