Final score
4:2
3:0
,
0:2
,
1:0
-
Stefan Gaffal
-
Brady Shaw
-
Oskar Maier
-
Shawn St-Amant
-
Michael Kernberger
-
Nikita Scherbak
NEWS
Black Wings secure next three points thanks to lightning start
Linz dominated the Innsbruck Sharks at times in the first period, but the game changed completely afterwards. Nevertheless, the hosts celebrate.
The Black Wings Linz remain on the winning track, as the Upper Austrians defeated HC Innsbruck 4:2 in the 16th round of the win2day ICE Hockey League.
Linz, playing in top form, started with an onslaught. Gaffal scored the early 1:0 after a good solo effort (3rd minute), and just 16 seconds later, Shaw extended the lead (3rd minute). Both times, the "Sharks" assisted with errors in their build-up play.
Just when it seemed the Tyroleans were getting a grip, Maier scored again, making it 3:0 after just eight minutes. After that, Innsbruck managed to get to the first intermission, also because the Upper Austrians' efficiency in front of goal diminished.
Innsbruck steps up, but it's not enough
The second period saw a completely different picture, with the visitors coming out of the locker room much stronger, and Linz could barely counter. The result was deserved goals from Kernberger (26th minute) and Scherbak (27th minute), but the equalizer didn't come for now.
Even in the final period, Innsbruck was actually stronger, but they couldn't capitalize on their numerous power-play opportunities. In the end, the "Sharks" took a risk and played with an empty net, which St-Amant exploited to secure the home win (60th minute).
In the standings, Linz remains firmly at the top with 36 points. Innsbruck, however, didn't reward themselves for a good performance and is still second to last.
