Updated
Ice HockeyLeonardo Genoni in XXL version against Biel, Gottéron beats Davos
Goalkeepers Säteri and Genoni put on a show in a top-flight match between HC Biel and EV Zug. HCB deserved better, but lost 1-2 after the penalty shootout. Third defeat in a row for the Biennois.
EV Zug international goalkeeper Leonardo Genoni has won his duel against HC Biel striker Luca Hischier.
Claudio De Capitani/freshfocus
After conceding eleven goals in their last two lost matches (Lugano 5-3, Geneva 6-2), HC Biel managed to close ranks and the bolts in defense against EV Zug. The players of Antti Törmänen delivered very good goods against the double Swiss champion – dynamism, desire to constantly create the offensive -, but the penalties ended up putting them in difficulty. Two consecutive minor offenses in the middle period (24th, Bärtschi and 27th, Cunti) allowed EVZ to open the scoring on their second attempt at powerplay. The international Fabrice Herzog, at close range, found the fault at 5 against 4 (27th, 0-1).
Harri Säteri in great form in front of the nets
The same misfortune could have happened to them at the end of the evening when the Biel residents overcame two consecutive numerical inferiority sequences (53rd and 55th). Still without captain Gaëtan Haas (already absent on Tuesday in Geneva) but with Finnish Jere Sallinen and winger Damien Brunner back in the line-up as well as a Harri Säteri in great shape in front of the nets, HC Bienne had this time there are more arguments to make against the defending champions. Ammunition on the offensive, the Seelanders wasted some before managing to beat Leonardo Genoni, like this wide open cage missed by Yannick Rathgeb on a spectacular direct recovery (39th). The number 27 of the HCB – ubiquitous – however redeemed itself a little later. It was he who was behind the equalizing goal signed Tino Kessler, on the rebound (47th, 1-1).
A thrilling extension
The decision finally fell during the penalty shootout (1-2), all after a breathless but fruitless extension for the Seelanders who missed the K.-O. on gold shares of Hofer, Rajala and Olofsson. On Saturday, HC Bienne travels to Kloten. An opportunity not to be missed after three defeats in a row, even if the Airmen, although beaten Friday at Ambri, are in a positive dynamic (five wins in the last seven matches) after a complicated start to the season in the elite.