14 seconds before the end of the first period, Chris Collins scored the equalizer on the power play. The 1-1 score not only further stoked the atmosphere in the Graz bunker but also ignited the fire among the 99ers' players.
"Excellent" second period remains unrewarded
Graz dominated the action in the second period. "We played an excellent second period," Lacroix rejoiced, "but we didn't score another goal."
Paul Huber missed the go-ahead goal in the 27th minute after a pass from Nick Swaney, when Fribourg goalie Ludovic Waeber still managed to deflect his breakaway attempt over the net with his stick hand. Manuel Ganahl also failed alone in front of the Swiss goalie.
"With our chances, we certainly would have deserved one or two more goals," sighs Huber.
Swiss fury against Graz fatigue
There were also opportunities for the go-ahead goal in the third period, but Fribourg increasingly pushed the pace and forced Graz into a defensive posture. "It looked like we ran out of gas," Lacroix commented.
Initially, the 2-1 goal was denied to the Swiss, as the puck had not crossed the line after a breakaway by Christoph Bertschy. However, this only angered the National League champions.
Yannick Rathgeb blasted the puck over Nicolas Wieser's shoulder and under the crossbar, and moments later, long-time NHL player Anthony Richard added the game-winning 3-1 goal.
"I can't ask for more"
Although captain Marcus Vela narrowed the score to 2-3 with the second power-play goal, Richard completed his double with a goal into the empty net, securing the 4-2 final score in favor of Fribourg.
"Jeder hat das Herz am Eis gelassen. Wir brauchen die Köpfe nicht in den Sand stecken."
"Five minutes of a lapse in concentration perhaps didn't cost us the win, but it did cost us overtime," Jerich expressed some frustration.
The president was also "super proud" of the team. "Everyone left their heart on the ice; we don't need to bury our heads in the sand."
Coach Lacroix nods: "The effort was outstanding, we fought with all our might. I can't ask for more from them."
