Salzburg got off to a strong start in the fifth game of the series with Peter Schneider returning and deservedly took the lead. Drake Rymsha (9th) scored with a hidden shot in the first power play. Only then did the guests become dangerous several times, but Atte Tolvanen kept his goal clean. His front men continued to control the game in the middle third, Benjamin Nissner (28th) narrowly missed the 2-0 with a shot from the crossbar. However, the guests had better luck in the 36th minute when Luca Frigo equalized in one of the rare attacks.
A little later, Salzburg also incurred a penalty. Of all things, Mario Huber made it 2-1 when he was outnumbered and a few seconds before the end of the period. The striker, who had previously failed several times against Bozen goalie Sam Harvey, took advantage of a counterattack in the Volksgarten, which was sold out with 3,400 fans.
GEPA/Gintare Karpaviciute Salzburg were devastated after the defeat against Bozen
Bolzano turns the game around
Ten minutes before the end the decision seemed to have been made, but according to video evidence, Phillip Sinn’s supposed 3-1 was not given. To make matters worse for Salzburg, Frigo also equalized with his second goal. But that wasn’t enough, because defender Dylan Di Perna even scored the 3-2 winning goal with a hidden long-range shot three minutes before the end.
“They took advantage of their chances, we didn’t. It’s just that way, we can’t change it. We have to go to Bolzano and win anyway. There is no way around. We had a lot of shots and for the most part we were good defensively. In the end there was just a lucky goal. We don’t have to hide, under any circumstances,” said Salzburg’s Philipp Sinn after the game.
“Chain of unfortunate circumstances”
“We had a series of unfortunate circumstances, it’s a nightmare. It couldn’t be worse. Then we got another penalty. “Unfortunately, we missed a block – and that was the third goal,” said Salzburg coach Oliver David, also disappointed. But he was already looking ahead to the game on Saturday: “But it’s a seven-game series, we still have the chance. We have to do a good job, it’s a very competitive league. Anyone can win.”
The investigation has no consequences
A league investigation into alleged racist statements and insults from Bolzano fans towards Salzburg player Ali Wukovits in the fourth duel on Tuesday in South Tyrol had no consequences for the Italian club. The ICE Legal Commission ruled that under the available evidence, “discriminatory behavior, particularly ‘monkey noises,’ could not be objectified.” Because no player or supervisor from either team, nor any officials or league representatives present, noticed the alleged sounds.
Win2Day ICE Hockey League, Halbfinale
Thursday:
Salzburg – Bolzano 2:3
(1:0 1:1 0:2)
Goals: Rymsha (9th), Huber (40th) or Frigo (36th, 50th), Di Perna (57th)
Penalty minutes: 8 or 8
Stand in der „Best of seven“-Serie: 2:3
