Styrians used their chances coldly, Salzburg lost their composure in the last third. First place for the Red Bulls can no longer be achieved on their own.
Even following the second appearance of the season in Graz, EC Red Bull Salzburg had to return home empty-handed. At 2:6, the defeat on Sunday evening was pretty hefty. In addition, the Eisbullen now need support to finish the basic round of the ICE Hockey League in first place.
Catastrophic bad pass ushered in defeat
After a strong start with good opportunities, Michael Schiechl coldly used a catastrophic bad pass from Ali Wukovits in front of his own goal to give Graz the lead (11th). After that, Salzburg continued to dominate the game, but unlike the home side, they didn’t consistently take advantage of their chances. Gustav Bouramman increased the lead to 2-0 following a save by Atte Tolvanen (33′). Benjamin Nissner’s (36th) goal was answered by Daniel Woger just a minute and a half later ( once more via rebound) to make it 3-1. In the final third, the Grazers used two phases with a majority to pull away to 6:1. First, a deflected shot by Sam Antonitsch landed in the net (45′). Ten minutes later, Viktor Granholm pulled off a brace in 38 seconds. Tyler Lewington only managed result cosmetics (58th).
“The Grazers scored their first three goals from far fewer opportunities. We then lost our composure a bit in the final third,” said Salzburg coach Matt McIlvane.
Graz − RB Salzburg 6:2 (1:0, 2:1, 3:1). Goals: Schiechl (11′), Bouramman (33′), Woger (38′), Antonitsch (45’/PP), Granholm (54’/PP2, 55’/PP) and Nissner (36′), Lewington ( 58.).
