Belfast player-coach Steve Thornton believes that the Giants' scoring depth can be the key to his team's Elite League success this season.

The Giants have raced out of the gate with a 100 per cent through four games, scoring 21 goals and conceding only seven times.

And, speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Thornton revealed his thoughts on Belfast' dynamic forward pack.

"When I was recruiting in the summer I had high expectations," said Thornton, who moved to Belfast after playing for the Basingstoke Bison in 2007/08.

"If you look at the teams that have won the Elite League in the past few years, and the teams in the NHL having success right now, they all have a lot of depth up front and threats from different lines. They are tough teams to match up against."

Thornton also recognises that having three strong lines not only creates problems for other teams - it can also help the Giants through a scoring slump.

Skilful

"I think it' also important because if one line gets cold another can pick up the slack," Thornton added.

"Plus, if we have a couple of injuries, we still have some depth on scoring."

Bobby Robins and Colin Shields are tied for the team lead with nine points and are part of a fast and skilful offensive group.

Robins' partnership with former college pal Andrew Martin (seven points) has enabled the Giants to start quickly after Thornton overhauled the roster in the summer.

The pair played together at the University of Massachusetts' Lowell and have quickly become one of the best double acts in the Elite League.

"It definitely makes them more comfortable with each other, although Robins and Martin didn't know that they would be playing together." Thornton said.

"When the guys arrived here they were all in great shape and bought into the system. One of the potential problems that I could see was the team gelling, but when you win it makes your life a lot easier and solves a lot of problems."