Kurbads left Lyon with zero
Latvian team won against home team the battle between eliminated teams
Playing essentially to avoid the last place, Kurbads
and Lyon give room for back up goalies Richard and Romanovskis for the last
game of the semi-finals. After a goal disallowed by Referees, Lyon opens the
score at 04:39 with Ryan Verbeek, well assisted by Daniil Kulikov. Same Verbeek
could increase the score at minute 8 but as his shot blocked by Romanovskis. At
minute 16 Sherbatov incredibly misses the net on Zembergs assist. The Latvian
goal comes at 18:33, courtesy of goalie Olivier Richard, maybe with an imperfect
visual, surprised on Jekabs Redlihs shot, apparently harmless, from long
distance. In the second period the game is more battling with chances for both
teams: Lyon survives two consecutive power play, trying to bite Kurbads with
quick counter-attacks: Andres and Pascal poke Romanovskis from the distance. At
35:00 Cipulis wastes a counterattack after a puck lost by Lyon in defensive
zone firing of Richard, copied shortly after by Di Dio Balsamo, not finalizing
a three versus one chance. The quiet third period is shaken by the sudden
second goal of Kurbads, scored by Sherbatov, taking advantage of another
mistake of French defense. Lyon has a furious reaction, has a chance deflected
by Romanovskis, before to suffer the third goal, scored by Edgars Homjakovs
after a smart pass by Sherbatov. Before the siren, Lyon pulls the goalie finding the second goal with Kyle Essery. At the last second Mickevits misses the puck from a good position, frustrating the dream of a late tie. It’s the last emotion in the game. Lyon closes
the European debut with no points but praised by fans, Kurbads can regret the shy
attitude of the first game, that probably cost the elimination
MVP: Kyle Essery - Martins Porejs