Course of the game
A committed start by Schwenningen meant that Munich were initially challenged in defense. However, the Red Bulls defended successfully and subsequently created good opportunities themselves. A lively game developed with a lot of pace and further good shots. Because Michael Bitzer in the Wild Wings' goal and Mathias Niederberger on the other side made no mistakes in the first period, the teams went into the first break without scoring.
The middle period began with two teams in forward gear and the goalies still in good form. The duel remained goalless until the 29th minute. That changed when Eisenschmid found himself free in front of Bitzer after preparatory work from Ehliz and scored with ice-cold precision to make it 1:0. Schwenningen appeared shocked, while the Red Bulls, eager to play, pressed for the second goal. Ehliz scored from a scramble in the 38th minute to make it 2:0 for Munich at the break.
The Red Bulls initially defended consistently in the final period and created further opportunities. In the 50th minute, Brooks banged the puck against the post (50'). A little later, the Canadian aimed more accurately, but his power-play goal to make it 3:0 (51') was countered by Alexander Karachun from Schwenningen in the same minute. The goal gave the Wild Wings new hope - and was the starting signal for a comeback. In the final phase, Mirko Höfflin (58') and Matthew Puempel (59') forced overtime with their double strike.
Despite good chances on both sides, no further goals were scored in overtime. The penalty shoot-out had to decide the game. Karachun (65') scored the extra point for the Wild Wings.