DEL: EHC Red Bull Munich visits Wolfsburg

Wednesday, 27. December 2023 | DEL: EHC Red Bull Munich visits Wolfsburg

End-of-year spurt: Red Bulls challenged in Wolfsburg// DEL - PRELIMINARY REPORTIn the penultimate away game of the year, EHC Red Bull Munich will host the Grizzlys Wolfsburg, who are level on points, on Thursday. The clash in Lower Saxony kicks off at 19:30 (live on MagentaSport & on our blog).

Our Red Bulls want to return to winning ways against the Grizzlies and pick up three points. "We need more consistency in our game," demanded Austin Ortega after the 4-2 defeat against Straubing on Boxing Day. "We need to keep our concentration high throughout all three periods and play consistently," said the scorer of the 1:0 goal. "But I'm sure we'll manage that."

1:0 | TOOOR! Ortega eröffnet das Derby in Überzahl

// IN-GAME-VIDEO

Defensive lines and goalies dominate

Our boys' performance in the last game against Wolfsburg was really strong. At the beginning of December, we turned an early deficit into a 2:1 home win and didn't let anything get in the way of our compact defense for more than 55 minutes. The first match was similarly close. In mid-October, the Grizzlies prevailed 1:0.

So when the two teams meet this season, goals are in short supply. This is also due to the goalkeepers. Daniel Allavena, who came on in the first game, and Mathias Niederberger in the second duel combined to save 49 of 51 shots on goal. Wolfsburg keeper Dustin Strahlmeier played both games and saved 54 of Munich's 56 attempts.

Highlights: Red Bull München vs. Grizzlys Wolfsburg (08.12.2023)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

And the goalkeepers are also likely to be in the spotlight in the third clash, with nuances deciding the outcome. It's not for nothing that both teams have 52 points so far.

Bad luck with injuries for the Grizzlies

Wolfsburg coach Mike Stewart is currently without a number of key players. Ex-Munich player Ryan Button suffered a serious leg injury against Ingolstadt (4:1) on December 17, while top scorer Matt White (eleven goals, 16 assists) was also injured the day before Christmas Eve against Mannheim (0:3).

To make matters worse, attacker Fabio Pfohl was also ruled out due to injury in the last game in Berlin (1:2). The trio joined backup goalie Hannibal Weitzmann and forward Robert Kneisler, who were also unable to play recently.

Nevertheless, Lower Saxony remain an unpleasant opponent to play against as usual. With Andy Miele (24 points), Spencer Machacek (22 points) and Chris Wilkie, who is one of the league's top scorers with 14 goals, Wolfsburg are a real threat in attack.

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The home game against the Grizzlys in Wolfsburg

Goals instead of penalties

But the Red Bulls have already shown in the first two encounters that they can control the Grizzlies' offense. "We want to be smart with the puck and stay out of the penalty box. And we have to find a way to score more goals," said Ortega.

DEL record against Wolfsburg

Wins: 41

Defeats: 34

Winning percentage: 55 percent

Goal difference: 220:190

Last game: RBM vs. WOB: 2:1

Last ten games: S S N N S S N S N S

Last ten away games: N N N N S S S S N S S N