2023-09-29 20:00:00
The KAC has returned to game mode. 20 goals in five games (12 in two home games) underline that the offensive is celebrating a rebirth. And once morest the Black Wings, the focus was clearly on Linz keeper Thomas Höneckl. In front of the eyes of the two red jacket legends Don and Gary Ross, who rocked the exhibition hall in the 1970s, the current generation did the same on the ice of what is now the Horten Arena. In a fiery, fast-paced game, the KAC took command.
Marcel Witting received the first round of applause for his heroic defensive performance. Without a stick (“he borrowed” Vallant) he was in two shots at Linz’s power play. Nick Petersen (first goal of the season) then made things countable. The remarkable action was initiated with a long pass by Tobias Sablattnig. Both teams hardly gave their opponents any space and the game was spiced up by a lot of physical play. Linz managed to equalize 1-1 through Nico Feldner, who coldly took advantage of defensive inattention.
Linz with efficiency
But the KAC’s response followed immediately. In extreme distress, Finn Van Ee circled into the slot to Niki Kraus, who rang the bell via the inside bar. As a result, Lukas Haudum & Co. showed a lot of playfulness and danced through the ranks of the guests. And it was the Upper Austrian who made it 3-1 with his fourth (and later fifth) power play goal. When a penalty was announced, Brian Lebler shortened the game.
The KAC remained aggressive, courageous and continued to move forward. The fans also liked this following rather dry years. But in another power play – the first session remained on the ice for a full two minutes – the goal for Mursak and Co. seemed to be nailed down. On the other hand, also for Linz, thanks to strong reactions from Vorauer.
KAC didn’t give up
The final section developed into a battle of nerves. At first the home team missed many chances and conceded goals. Shawn St. Amant equalized. KAC remained in control as a result, but Linz presented its most dangerous weapon: its efficiency. Logan scored with 250 seconds left to take a 4-3 lead. And when only a few people still believed in the Red Jackets, Haudum turned the hall into a cauldron with nine seconds left to make it 4:4.
In extra time, the Red Jackets already had victory in sight, but then Fraser/Petersen obscured the game in a two-on-zero situation. In the penalty shootout, Vorauer remained extremely cool, as did Manuel Ganahl, who scored the decisive goal.
The live ticker to read:
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