Champions face elimination

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Mario Huber (center) and the Bulls lost 3-2 against Bolzano.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

What a hot dance on the ice in Salzburg's Volksgarten! Game five of the semi-final series between the Bulls and Bolzano had everything a good ice hockey play-off game needs. In the end, the visitors won the game 3:2 to take the lead in the series. 

There was good news for the Bulls before the first puck drop. Top scorer Peter Schneider returned to the line-up. The reigning champions started the game with a lot of energy and took advantage of the first power play to take the lead. Rymsha scored to make it 1:0, but Bolzano wasn't bad in the game either, although Salzburg goalie Tolvanen mostly failed to convert his chances. The teams went into the first period break with a tight score.

The Bulls also got off to a good start in the middle period, but missed one or two opportunities - Nissner's shot danced on the crossbar. And so it came as it had to: Frigo scored to make it 1:1. This seemed to turn the game around, but just as the South Tyroleans were pressing, the hosts struck while short-handed. Four seconds later, Mario Huber scored after a counterattack to make it 2:1. 

Goal not awarded
Events came thick and fast in the final third. Salzburg were celebrating the supposed 3:1, but Sinn's goal was taken back due to goalkeeper obstruction. On the counter-attack, the visitors equalized again through Frigo. And it was to get even worse for the Bulls: Di Perna put Bolzano 3:2 in front with three minutes remaining. The champions' late final offensive was to come to nothing and the result remained the same. The Italians thus took a 3:2 lead in the series and the Ice Bulls must win away from home on Saturday, otherwise their season will be over prematurely.