Saturday, 05. October 2024 | Preview: Red Bull Munich challenges Kölner Haie at the SAP Garden
Top clash on family matchday: Red Bulls host CologneTickets still available for the game on Sunday // DEL - PREVIEWTwo days after their first defeat of the season against the reigning champions Berlin, the Red Bulls are once again challenged in the SAP Garden. On Sunday at 4.30 pm, the Cologne Sharks come to Munich's Olympic Park.The prestigious duel (live on MagentaSport, Sportdeutschland.TV and on our blog) is all about the family. That means: You can save a lot of money if you come to the Red Bulls with your whole family. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Twelve points after five games - the Red Bulls' start to the season is impressive. Even the narrow 3:2 defeat against Eisbären Berlin doesn't change that. The offence in particular has been in a scoring mood so far, averaging five goals per game. This not only pleased coach Toni Söderholm, but also the fans, who got their money's worth. Now we face a team that has also provided a great spectacle.
Sharks with a strong offence - defensive problems
However, the new Sharks coach Kari Jalonen was only partially pleased. The Finn saw a total of 19 goals on the first match days, but even more goals conceded. The defeats against Nuremberg (5:6 n. V.) and in Augsburg (6:7 n. V.) were particularly painful, as the Sharks surrendered three-goal leads in both games. This was followed by a 1:5 defeat in Nuremberg - and shortly afterwards the re-signing of goalkeeper Julius Hudacek. Now things got cheesy.
How the opening game of the SAP Garden went
// GRAND OPENING GAME
Hollywood-ready story with Hudacek in the leading role
On Thursday morning, the Sharks announced that they had signed the 36-year-old Slovakian. A few hours later, the veteran was already in the KEC goal against Straubing. His debut was Hollywood-like, as Hudacek immediately became a hero. He saved all 34 shots by the Tigers, while his team-mates scored two goals.
Hudacek could hardly believe it himself. ‘I was still sitting at home with my wife and children in the morning. I didn't expect to be playing in a full LANXESS Arena at 4.30 pm,‘ said the Sharks’ new number 50 on the MagentaSport microphone.
New Sharks: An ex-NHL player and a former Munich player
As exciting as the first few weeks of the season were, the summer was quiet. The Sharks refrained from a major shake-up, instead strengthening their well-established team in a targeted manner. Josh Currie, an NHL-experienced forward who last played for Belleville in the AHL, joined the team.
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The home game against the Haie in pictures
Currie is regarded as a strong centre with a strong fighting spirit. He scored his first goal in the DEL against Straubing. Also new are Jalonen's compatriots Veli-Matti Vittismäki (defenceman, Tappara Tampere) and Juhani Tyrväinen (forward, Lulea) as well as Adam Almquist, who defended for our Red Bulls last season.
Parade line also scores this season
The Sharks have been able to keep their key players. Cologne are also expecting a lot this season from their parade line of Gregor MacLeod, Alexandre Grenier and Justin Schütz, the DEL striker of the year 2023/24. The trio has also got up to speed quickly this season. In defence, the Sharks hope that Nick Bailen remains injury-free and can build on his performances from the season before last.
DEL record against Cologne
Wins: 41
Defeats: 20
Winning percentage: 67 percent
Goal difference: 205:142
Last game: RBM vs. KEC 3:2 n. V.
Last ten games: S S N S S N S N S S S
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