2024-03-27 20:03:26
BOLZANO. The semi-final series between is back to a draw HCB Alto Adige Alperia ed EC Red Bull Salzburg. The Foxes, in front of 5,000 at the Sparkasse Arena, beat the Austrians with a score 3 to 2 thanks to the networks of Ford, Gazley and Frigo. In the final thrills for the Red Bulls’ comeback attempt, which this time, however, is not successful. Tomorrow evening, Thursday 28 March, the series returns to the Eisarena, while Bolzano prepares to host a very hot Game 6 on Saturday evening. Ticket information will be provided shortly.
Nothing to do for the Val Pusteriawhich loses at home 5-3 dal Klagenfurt and is eliminated. The series ends 4 to 0 and establishes the clear superiority of the opponents.
The news. Coach Glen Hanlon can count on the precious last-minute returns of captain Daniel Frank and Mike Halmo. Scott Valentine is still in the pits.
Good start to the match for the red and whites, who immediately tried to put pressure on the Austrian rearguard and on Tolvanen who had to deal with some dangerous shots in traffic. The result does not change after a powerplay on each side and Bolzano tries again with DiGiacinto and Söderberg, who twice test the reflexes of the visiting goalie. Tolvanen was again decisive shortly after on Pietroniro’s shot from the blue, but at 18:15 the Foxes still took the lead: a counterattack by Ford, who after the rebound allowed by Tolvanen went around the cage and bagged the 1-0, which ended the first half.
The match becomes more nervous in the central period, with small errors on both sides. In the first minutes the opportunities abounded, with Ford on one side and Meyer on the other, then Salzburg tried with the extra man, but the red and white penalty killing held. When Bolzano found themselves in numerical superiority, the second goal came at 27:41: great play by Gazley, who faked the shot for the first time, clearing the target and then mocking Tolvanen between the legs. The match continues on the edge of balance, with the Foxes committed to “breaking” the Austrians’ game. At the end of the half, Schilling was sent to the locker room prematurely for an elbow to the head by Teves: 5 seconds before the siren, Frigo took advantage of a defensive blunder by the Red Bulls and bagged the trio to Tolvanen’s right.
The third period is of great suffering. Bolzano devours poker in the remaining three minutes of powerplay, with Ford being stopped by a miracle from Tolvanen. Then the Red Bulls try to launch the comeback again: at 45:46 Mario Huber scores the assist to Bourke’s kiss with numerical superiority and the game reopens. With renewed confidence Salzburg pushes, Bolzano suffers for a few minutes, but then manages to raise the center of gravity again. Just when the red and whites seemed to have found the square again, however, the second Austrian goal arrives: at 52:44 Nissner’s long-range shot is deflected into the net by Paul Huber’s stick. A chill of fear and nervousness descends on the Sparkasse Arena, while on the ice Bolzano tries to accumulate the last remaining strength to contain the attack, appeals to Harvey’s saves, misses two chances on the counterattack and with an empty net, but at the siren – after the scuffles on the ice due to a contact with Harvey – he can celebrate the success.
HCB Alto Adige Alperia – EC Red Bull Salzburg 3 – 2 [1-0; 2-0; 0-2] – Serie: 2-2
Rarely: 18:15 Connor Ford (1-0); 27:41 Dustin Gazley PP1 (2-0); 39:55 Luca Frigo PP1 (3-0); 45:45 Mario Huber PP1 (3-1); 52:44 Paul Huber (3-2)
Shots on goal: 22-24
Penalty minutes: 40-67
Referees: Sternat, Zrnic / Mantovani, Zgonc
Spectators: 5.012
2024-03-27 20:03:26