Course of the game
Extremely high tempo, tough tackles and two teams playing forward - there was a lot on offer in the first period. The goalkeepers had numerous opportunities to distinguish themselves. Penguins goalkeeper Kristers Gudlevskis was on the spot against Chris DeSousa (8th), while Mathias Niederberger saved a dangerous shot from Ross Mauermann (12th). A little later, Bremerhaven were awarded their first powerplay of the game - but the Red Bulls survived the shorthanded situation and the ensuing Penguins' rush phase unscathed. They went into the first break without scoring.
Both teams also demanded everything from each other in the middle period. Bremerhaven initially had more shots - also due to a four-minute overtime (from the 25th minute). However, Munich defended aggressively. Things only got really tight once after Blaz Gregorc's shot (27). After the penalty expired, the Red Bulls established themselves in the offensive zone. Bremerhaven was now under pressure. In the 32nd minute, the Penguins managed a strong relief attack. Jan Urbas finished it off to make it 1:0. The German champions tried to respond before the second break, but the deficit remained narrow after 40 minutes.
Niederberger shone after just a few seconds in the final period against Miha Verlic. The Red Bulls then went on the attack. Ryan McKiernan had a top chance, but Gudlevskis made a save (47'). Bremerhaven allowed little else. In the 50th minute, the Penguins had a double overtime. Phillip Bruggisser took advantage of the space on the ice and hammered the puck into the corner of the net to make it 2:0 (51'). Four minutes before the siren, Söderholm brought on the extra skater in overtime. The Red Bulls pressed for the final goal. Markus Eisenschmid hit the post, but the German champions were unable to score. It came at the other end. Bruggisser made it 3:0 with his empty-net goal while short-handed (59').