HC Bozen won 3-2 in the fifth game of the ICE semi-final series against EC Red Bull Salzburg. That means the “Foxes” go into the sixth game with a 3:2 series lead on Saturday in Bolzano (starting at 6:00 p.m. on the live ticker).
The hosts made an impressive start and pushed for the first goal. After Meyer and Huber couldn't beat Posen goalkeeper Harvey in the early stages, Mozartstadters scored first on the power play. Five seconds before the power play expired, Rimshaw made it 1-0 (9th/bb).
In response, the “foxes” were able to counterattack almost as quickly. In build-up play, Salzburg inadvertently loses the puck. But Salzburg goalkeeper Tolvanen, Miceli and Frigo (11th) sensationally saved a two-goal opportunity from Posen. This was followed by pressure from the visitors from South Tyrol, which despite a power play, did not get a goal. “Eisbullen” goes into the first third break with a 1-0 lead.
De Berna decides the game with his first playoff goal
In the second half of the game, Salzburg dominated. A personal battle develops between Mario Huber and Samuel Harvey, with the Salzburg player initially losing three times against the Posen goalkeeper. Huber's best chance in the 33rd minute made it 2-0 when, alone in the slot, he couldn't beat Harvey one-on-one. Before that, Bozen goalkeeper Nissner puts a shot over the crossbar (28th).
Out of nowhere, the South Tyroleans managed to tie the game. Miceli found Frigo in the center in the danger zone with a pass, where he equalized for the Foxes from close range (36th). Baldram's unnecessary two-minute penalty just before the end of the second third threatened to break Salzburg's game, with Mario Huber scoring short-handed. He took down Harvey on the fourth try and made it 2-1 to “Eisbullen” (40./SH) four seconds before the end of the period.
In the final third, Phillip Chin scored the early winner in the 50th minute. But his goal was called back as Rimshaw brought his opponent De Berna down the field in Harvey's field of vision. Seconds later, Frigo equalized again with a backhand (50th) and things got worse for Salzburg. De Berna sealed HC Bozen's win with his first playoff goal (57th) as the game headed into the first overtime of the series.
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