They say the first game home after a road trip is the hardest game to play. The Vancouver Giants put the spurs to that urban legend Friday night, spanking the Kamloops Blazers 5-1 at the Pacific Coliseum to end an eight-game losing streak. The majority of that stretch came during a brutal road trek that included six games in six cities in eight nights. Let’s not forget that in the Dub, all of those klicks are logged by bus — it was a two-day jaunt from Vancouver just to reach the first game in Brandon, Manitoba.

The G-men had been outscored 36-15 since their last win on September 21. A game against the 4-7 Blazers was just what the doctor ordered, then, as the Giants desperately needed a win to put a little wind in their sails in the still-young season.

They came out gunning, jumping out to a 1-0 just 2:20 into the game. The Giants would score early in each period, and overall outshot the Blazers 38-24 in the win. Calgary Flames prospect Brett Kulak scored once and added two helpers to become the team’s top scorer this season. Kulak now has two goals and eight points in 11 games played.

More after the jump.

Vancouver goals included captain Dalton Thrower’s fourth of the season, and the second goal for each of Ty Ronning, Tim Traber and Alec Baer.

Earning his second win with 23 stops on 24 shots was goaltender Payton Lee. He took his shutout big into the final ten minutes of the game before a defensive lapse allowed fourth-year forward Aspen Sterzer to jam away at a loose puck for his fourth goal of the year. It spoiled an otherwise perfect night for the Giants, who played their most consistent, disciplined game of the season thus far.

Check out game highlights here.

The next Giants game is at home, next Wednesday, October 23 against the 6-3 Calgary Hitmen. Click here for tickets.