Course of the match
The Red Bulls started the last match of the year full of pressure and offense. After just a few seconds, Taro Hirose appeared alone in front of Hannibal Weitzmann, but the Grizzlies goalie made a save. He had no chance of defending in the eighth minute when Lancaster gave Munich a deserved lead with a well-placed shot into the corner. But the joy did not last long and was dampened twice: first Darren Archibald dusted off the ball to equalize (11th), then Nicholas Caamano even made it 2:1 for the visitors (13th). This was the score going into the first break.
Munich continued to play with great pace from the start in the middle period. There was plenty of work for Wolfsburg's Weitzmann, which he did impeccably. The Red Bulls fired from all angles, but the puck just wouldn't cross the line. The jubilation at Koni Abeltshauser's equalizer in the 34th minute came too soon. The supposed goal was whistled back after video evidence and after 20 goalless minutes, Wolfsburg's lead remained 2:1 at the second break.
Just 40 seconds into the final period, Ehliz found himself free in front of Weitzmann, but the birthday boy was also unable to score for the long overdue 2:2. The Red Bulls continued their assault undaunted and created chance after chance. The Grizzlies rarely managed to get dangerously close to Munich's goal, but their defensive bulwark held firm. Until the 54th minute: Ehliz set up DeSousa, who then skillfully slotted home. Historic point for Ehliz, equalizer for the four-time German champions! And the Red Bulls went one better in the final minute: Eisenschmid scored the winner for EHC Red Bull München with his 100th DEL goal.