EBEL 2011/12 Finals; second game

EC-KAC – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz  2:3 (1:2, 0:0, 1:1)

Teams are leveled on one win each after two games. Second game started off furiously by the home team and Martin Schumnigg and Christoph Brandner had to be denied by Black Wings goal keeper Alex Westlund during opening minutes. Rob Hisey (BW Linz) had to go to the sin bin in fifth minute and he was followed by his team colleague Pat Leahy seven seconds after he got back on the ice. Two power play situations did not give any result to home team, although they were dominant and dangerous. Brandner’s hooking took him to penalty box in 9^th minute and Brian Lebler scored for guests in following minute (0:1). Tyler Spurgeon equalized in 15^th minute (1:1). Franklin Macdonald provided a great pass in 18^th minute – it was an easy tip-in for Gregor Baumgartner (1:2).

The beginning of second period was marked by Mike Ouellette’s goal for Linz after 16 seconds of playing. Video review showed that the puck only hit the post though and the result did not change. Both goalies were in center of attention in following minutes, not letting the opposition to score. Jan-Axel Alavaara and Mike Ouellette had to go to penalty box in following minutes, but Black Wings came out of that unharmed. In fact, Danny Irmen failed to score for Linz in great shorthanded chance – he was denied by Andy Chiodo, KAC goalkeeper. Remaining minutes of the period were dominated by Linz, but home team created some chances, too. Chiodo was in great form seconds before second intermission, as he stopped Alavaara’s shot from close range.

Final period offered some neutral zone hockey during opening minutes. Justin Keller (BW Linz) found himself in 1-on-1 chance with Chiodo, but he was denied. Irmen then scored for Linz in 48^th minute to extend guest’s lead (1:3). Rob Hisey was the provider actually, as it all happened as a consequence of his great solo effort. KAC players were forced to fire from all positions in following minutes. Daniel Oberkofler’s interference took him to the sin bin in 56^th minute and home team pulled their goalie off immediately. Playing 6 on 4, Dieter Kalt pulled one back for KAC in 57^th minute (2:3). It was the final goal of the night, although home team tried to equalize desperately in final minute, leaving their net open.

Series now stands on 1:1. Next game follows on Tuesday in Linz.

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