EBEL: Gračnar steals three points in the capital

In an exciting first frame, both goalies faced challenges right from the get-go. Nathan Lawson showed quick reflexes on Brett Sterling’s one timer and Luka Gracnar was ready on Florian Iberer’s wrist-shot. In the 17^th minute, the goalies though were chanceless: On the man advantage, Troy Milam scored on his former team. The 35-year old offensive defenceman converted Jamie Fraser’s rebound for the home side’s 1-0 lead. Only 54 seconds later, the Red Bulls responded. John Hughes fed Brett Sterling, who tied the game with a perfect backhander.

The Capitals had the some excellent chances to regain the lead in the second period. The first player to almost bring smiles to the 5300 fans in Albert Schultz Halle was Andreas Nödl, who only hit the crossbar. Later on, Simon Gamache was denied by a sprawling Gracnar and Sharp’s deflection also only hit the post. Luka Gracnar continued his stellar performance in net and his forwards did the rest: In the 40^th minute Hughes brought the puck on net and Ryan Duncan buried the puck behind the goal line on the wide open net for the 1-2 lead.

Luka Gracnar, in the picture representing Slovenia at the IIHF World Championships 2015, stopped 42 shots for Red Bull Salzburg.

Vienna continued to pressure the defending champion in the final period. However, it was again Salzburg to capitalize on its chances. In the 50^th minute Red Bull was on the power play and Bryan Fahey’s slap shot from the point found its way past the screened Nathan Lawson.

In the final minutes, the Capitals were awarded another chance to get back into the game. Red Bull’ Daniel Welser was given a game misconduct for head-butting and captain Matthias Trattnig got two more minutes for slashing. Despite 5 minutes of man advantage, including two minutes of 5 on 3 power play, the Capitals were not able to create any more serious danger.

Konstantin Komarek added one more on the empty net for the final 4-1 win for Red Bull Salzburg. With this win, they are now only one point away from league leader Linz. Vienna on the other hand, is still struggling, as they have fallen out of the Top Six again.

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