VSV cheers in overtime

More chances for VSV! But it’s still 0:0 in the derby

Defender Philipp Lindner (right) was Villach's derby hero in extra time, scoring the winner to win 3:2(Bild: GEPA pictures)

What a dramatic end to the 357th Carinthian ice hockey derby! When KAC defender Strong made it 2:1 for Klagenfurt in minute 57, everything smelled like the next red derby win. But VSV came back through a Hughes solo - and then defender Lindner scored in overtime to win 3:2 at home.

As in the recent derby in Klagenfurt, the Eagles started better and with a lot of momentum. In the third minute, Coatta knocked one past KAC goalie Dahm from close range - shortly afterwards, Van Nes and Pearson even had a double chance while short-handed (4th). Immediately afterwards, VSV were also allowed to try their hand at a powerplay, but Coatta shot over from a free position (8'). 

However, the KAC also slowly started to create chances - the biggest of which came from defender Nickl, who was narrowly unable to put Bischofberger's cross into the net. As a result, the score remained 0-0 after the first period.

VSV keep up the pressure
And then the Red Jackets scored in the second period! Fraser dangerously deflected a shot from Jensen Aabo - and Obersteiner, standing alone, tucked away the second rebound to make it 1:0 for the KAC (22'). But VSV immediately increased the pressure, repeatedly establishing themselves in Klagenfurt's third - and were rewarded in the powerplay. Pearson deflected a pass high in front of goal and Rebernig "knocked" the disc in from close range (31'). Villach go into the final period with 1:25 minutes of power play.

VSV striker Maxi Rebernig beat KAC goalie Dahm to make it 1:1.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Hancock fails to beat Dahm
Villach also applied more pressure in the final third, repeatedly trapping the KAC in their own third. First a shot from KAC striker Fraser was blocked by Maxa, then VSV missed a huge chance: Hancock appeared completely alone in front of the visitors' goalie Dahm after a Rebernig advance, but the Dane made another save.

Villach also have an answer
When KAC defender Strong then scored completely alone in front of the Villach goal in the 57th minute, everything looked set for another derby win for Klagenfurt. But not with VSV's precious technician John Hughes - he outmuscled an opponent, drove at goalie Dahm and lifted the puck into the net to make it 2:2 (58'). This meant there would be a "detention" and the game would only be decided in extra time.

Lindner scores at the second attempt
And then came Villach's Philipp Lindner! While Alex Rauchenwald circled in the KAC third for around 15 seconds, the defender crept forward and got the puck. His first attempt was blocked by the visitors' goalie Dahm, but he buried the second into the net and Villach celebrated a deserved 3:2 derby win thanks to the chances.

Sunday, 27.10.2024
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