The Wolfsburg Grizzlies prevailed in the seventh and thus decisive duel against the Straubing Tigers and reached the playoff semi-finals in the German Ice Hockey League.
Coach Mike Stewart’s team turned the away game after going behind and defeated Bayern 3-1 (0-1, 2-0, 1-0). In the semifinals, the top favorite and main round winner EHC Red Bull Munich awaits the Grizzlys, for Straubing the season is over.
Travis St. Denis (12th minute) gave the home side a deserved lead. The Lower Saxony stayed on and got back into the game in the second third thanks to Laurin Braun (29th) and Darren Archibald (35th).
Spencer Machacek missed a huge opportunity to extend the lead in the final third and the visitors almost conceded an equalizer at the other end. Philipp Mass (50th) scored Wolfsburg’s third goal shortly afterwards. Grizzly goalkeeper Dustin Strahlmeier prevented numerous opportunities for the Tigers and made a significant contribution to Wolfsburg’s success.
The Grizzlies had allowed the decider game in the sixth meeting after overtime with 4:3 and equalized in the series to 3:3. (dpa)