First too mistaken and then not consistent enough: Red Bull Salzburg ultimately collapses due to the 40-year-old VSV keeper JP Lamoureux.
At the age of 40, some players tell their children about their careers, others are already coaches – and JP Lamoureux is still in goal and shows that he is still one of the best in his field. The former Salzburg keeper led Villacher SV on Friday evening a surprising but ultimately not undeserved 3-2 victory in the almost sold-out Salzburg Volksgarten.
The VSV thus took a big step out of the crisis. Salzburg, on the other hand, has to be careful not to slide into one. Because once again the team seemed disorganized at times, was too prone to errors on defense and they currently need a ton of chances offensively.
Coach Oliver David got to the point. “Villach absolutely deserved the win, they were better in the duels and were more consistent in front of the goal.” Especially at the beginning, Salzburg was almost out of control. For the first ten minutes, VSV ran around the champions almost at will, although Salzburg also made things quite easy for the guests. Before the score was 0-1, Philipp Sinn (usually not a man for such blunders) fell over, Alex Wall went alone in front of the goal and scored to make it 0-1. The 0:2 a minute later didn’t count because of a previous hand pass, then John Hughes also had the 2:0 on his stick. A shot from the pole by Lucas Thaler was a rare highlight on the other side.
It was a real top game in the second third: Salzburg picked up speed, VSV did what they do best: scratch and bite, rely on keeper JP Lamoureux and counterattack at the front. Max Coatta took advantage of the first penalty of the entire evening (against Luca Auer) to make it 2-0 − but: Salzburg was still better in the game and it was only a matter of time before the goals were scored on the other side. Benjamin Nissner scored precisely into the cross corner after a pass from Thomas Raffl, Raffl himself benefited from a rare mistake by Lamoureux – 33 seconds before the second period break the score was 2-2.
But: Salzburg once again didn’t close the bag, Chase Pearson made a deflection ten minutes before the end to make it 3-2, then Salzburg missed chance after chance.
But in the end that wasn’t even the biggest worry: Philipp Sinn collapsed after a check at the Salzburg bank and had to be taken to hospital.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our exclusive interview today! We’re excited to have with us a prominent figure in the sporting world — a veteran ice hockey expert who has been closely following the performances in the Austrian league. Today, we’ll dive into the recent match where 40-year-old VSV keeper JP Lamoureux showcased remarkable skill, leading his team to a surprising victory against Red Bull Salzburg. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and discuss such an exciting match.
Time.news Editor: Let’s talk about the standout performance from JP Lamoureux. At 40, he’s well beyond what most consider the peak age for a goaltender. What do you think sets him apart from younger players?
Expert: JP is proving that age is just a number in sports. His experience is invaluable; he possesses a deep understanding of the game, which translates into exceptional decision-making on the ice. Moreover, he’s physically fit and maintains a high level of agility. That blend of experience and fitness allows him to perform at an elite level even at 40.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! His performance was a defining factor in the match. Villacher SV seems to have benefited heavily from his presence in goal. How did his play specifically influence the game against Salzburg?
Expert: Lamoureux was pivotal. He not only made crucial saves but also commanded the defensive zone effectively. His leadership on the ice helped organize the defense, which had been an issue for them in previous games. Essential saves at critical moments staved off Salzburg’s attempts to rally back, a true testament to his capability as both a player and leader.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Salzburg, what went wrong for them in this match? It seems they struggled with organization and defensive errors.
Expert: You’re right. Salzburg’s disorganization was evident. They seemed to lack clarity in both their offensive strategies and defensive positioning. By becoming lapse in their defensive duties, they allowed Villachers to capitalize on their chances. Coach Oliver David pointed that out perfectly — Villach was definitely better in crucial duels, which ultimately won them the match. Salzburg must address these issues quickly to avoid falling deeper into crisis.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there may be growing concerns for Salzburg if they’re not careful. Given that Lamoureux helped his team escape from a crisis, what does this mean for VSV moving forward?
Expert: This victory is a significant morale boost for VSV. They’ve come out of a rough patch, and a win against a top team like Salzburg can reignite confidence in the squad. If they build on this performance and maintain their competitive edge, they could see a turnaround in their season. Lamoureux’s leadership will be vital as they continue to develop this momentum.
Time.news Editor: Before we conclude, what advice would you give to younger players looking to emulate Lamoureux’s longevity and success in their careers?
Expert: Focus on physical fitness and mental resilience. Players should prioritize their conditioning, nutrition, and recovery because those elements play a massive role as they age. Mentorship and learning from older players can also provide insights that are crucial to navigating a successful career in sports.
Time.news Editor: Great advice! Thank you for sharing your insights on JP Lamoureux, VSV, and the current state of Austrian ice hockey. It’s certainly an exciting time in the league!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss sports and the extraordinary talent we have in the ice hockey community.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in! We’ll continue to provide updates and analysis on the world of sports, so stay with us!
