EBEL Quarterfinals - fourth games

HC Orli Znojmo – KHL Medvescak Zagreb 4:5  (0:2, 0:1, 4:2)

This best-of-seven series turned out to be sweeping training for Medvescak Zagreb.  Czech representatives in EBEL were determined to win their first game in series last night, but their opponents proved to be too strong at the moment. Martin Skadra's holding penalty in early minutes of the game helped guests to open the scoring – Matt Siddal scored on PP in 5th minute (0:1). 14 seconds later Siddal was penalized for roughing, but Orli couldn't capitalize on his penalty. There were two additional penalties for guests until 13th minute, but their defence kept their goal clean. In fact, after they managed to defend playing shorthanded, Ryan Kinasewich extended their lead in 14th minute (0:2). Second period opened with three consecutive penalties for Orli and guests benefitted on that in 28th minute, when Adam Naglich scored on power-play (0:3). The game was very physical in following minutes and many players from both sides had to go to sin bin. Geoff Waugh (Medvescak) especially was overreacting with his rawness – he earned himself 2+5+20 minutes of penalty for checking against board, slashing and game-misconduct.  Third period continued in the same ugly manner and players of both teams have already gathered 18 minutes on penalty bench before first goal for Znojmo in 48th minute was scored (Jan Seda, 1:3). When Adam Havlik beat Michael Ouzas 71 seconds later (2:3) home team was suddenly very close. Time-out for guests was called and Bears played with more discipline in following minutes. Home team reacted with nervousness and they were punished for that twice inside 25 seconds of 56th minute. First it was Greg Day (2:4), followed by Sasha Pokulok (2:5), both players scoring in PP. Antonin Boruta scored third goal for Znojmo in 58th minute (3:5) and Havlik added another 11 seconds before final whistle (4:5), but that was as close as Orli could get. That way Orli Znojmo finished their first season in EBEL in quarter-finals and Medvescak threatened their future opposition with sweeping Znojmo away with 4:0 in wins.

EC-KAC – EC Red Bull Salzburg  4:2 (1:1, 1:0, 2:1)

Last season's finalists of EBEL are definitely in the middle of great battle. And what a rivalry that is! Both teams tried to impose their style at the beginning of the game, but they were also very focused in defence; therefore not many chances were created. Nikolaus Holzer scored his first ever goal in EBEL to give KAC the lead in 14th minute (1:0). Beating Marty Turco for first goal is quite an achievement, would you agree? Anyway, Ramzi Abid answered for guests in PP situation in 19th minute (1:1). John Lammers was the only scorer in the second period as he gave home team another lead in 29th minute power-play. Manuel Geier scored for KAC in 43rd minute to please some 3700 fans. Guests tried hard to put some pressure on home team afterwards. They managed to score in 56th minute (Robbie Earl, 3:2). Of course they pulled Turco off the ice and substituted him with an extra skater during last two minutes, but it all resulted in Lammers second goal of the night – an empty-netter (4:2). The best-of-seven series in now tight on two; teams meet again in Salzburg on Tuesday.

HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana – SAPA Fehervar AV19  6:4 (0:1, 3:1, 3:2)

One has to admit that Olimpija and SAPA are completely different teams when playing in Ljubljana. Olimpija, totally destroyed in both games in Hungary performs better and fights hard in front of their fans. They experience many difficulties with sick and injured players, yet they managed to tie this series on two. Adam Munro in front of guest’s goal was forced to keep his concentration on a high level right from the start of the game, as players in green constantly pressed against his team. JP Lamoureux on the other side was also the key man on several occasions, as he prevented guests from scoring. He wasn't able to stop that in 18th minute, when Eric Johansson scored in PP2 situation for SAPA (0:1). It was the only goal of the period. Second period was very fluent. John Hughes scored in 25th minute PP for Olimpija to equalize the score (1:1). 31 seconds later Brad Cole scored another power-play goal for Olimpija to turn the result completely (2:1). Ladislav Sikorcin equalized for guests in 27th minute ad it was already clear that this is going to be a massive game. Much criticized for their power-playing abilities, Olimpija players scored their third PP goal of the period in 34th minute (3:2, Dervaric).  Brock McBride scored on rebound in 43rd minute to give his team two goal advantage (4:2), but SAPA never gave up. Chad Klassen pulled one back for guests in 50th minute power-play (4:3) and there was plenty of time left for the guests to equalize. They actually dominated the ice in following minutes, but Lamoureux saved home team on several occasions. On top of that John Hughes scored a marvellous goal for Olimpija with a diagonal shot in 53rd minute (5:3). Next power-play goal for guests was scored in 56th minute when Balasz Ladanyi restored hopes for guests (5:4). Desperately trying to equalize, guests made a crucial mistake in neutral zone which allowed Justin Taylor to beat Munro with a great solo effort (6:4, 58'). It was a final goal of the night. Both teams now have two wins on their account and meet again in Szekesfehervar, Hungary on Tuesday.

UPC Vienna Capitals – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz  1:3 (0:0, 1:1, 0:2)

Home team started the game in very offensive manner. Capitals were determined to tie this best-of-seven series. They wasted some nice chances to score early in the game as Alex Westlund was in good day-form in front of Linz goal. Guests were not dangerous, they were very focused on defending their net and waiting for home team potential mistakes.  Second period looked pretty much the same, although guests started to play more ambitiously. To give home team a warning, Martin Mairitsch hit the post of home goal on one occasion. First goal of the game was scored in 36th minute power-play for guests – Justin Keller benefited on that (0:1). Jonathan Ferland used PP situation for home team in 40th minute to equalize (1:1) and the winner was to be decided in third period. Guests, full of confidence due to great performances this season, dominated the ice during last twenty minutes. Gregor Baumgartner gave them the lead in 49th minute power-play (1:2). Capitals desperately tried to do something, but it almost looked like they are hitting the brick-wall. They pulled their goalie off in final two minutes and were trying to equalize with sixth skater on the ice, but they concealed another goal as a result of that – Rob Hisey hit the empty net (1:3, 59'). Black Wings are now leading series with three wins to one. Their first chance to seal the quarter-finals is on Tuesday in Linz.

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