The Eagles’ objective was very clear: not to concede more than three goals. If they managed to score a few goals, that would be a big plus. But one thing is certain, Jan Cadieux’s instructions were clear: play very good defensive hockey! It’s not up to GSHC to play the game. In the first third, both teams were timid. On the rare occasions, the two goalkeepers were imperial.
It was in the second third that the match got heated. So not necessarily in terms of the score but in the game! Obviously, the Germans had to make up for a four-goal deficit so they threw themselves at Antti Rantaa’s goal! But the Geneva goalkeeper has been on fire for several weeks and he proved it again this evening! After two thirds, the shooting statistics were clear: 22 to 10. But the score did not change, still 0-0. The Garnets are doing well and there are only 20 minutes left. The situation is completely changing.
Bremerhaven understood this well and in the last period, they immediately decided to take out their goalkeeper to play with six outfield players. All in all. Antti Rantaa made the save of the season in the 42nd, with the tip of the cane, while the cage was empty. Just after, the Garnets were smart and they opened the scoring thanks to Alessio Bertaggia (43rd) who was quick to put the goal into the empty cage. But Bremerhaven turned the match around in 16 seconds, thanks to their powerplay! Bruggisser and Urbas scored in quick succession in the 46th while Josh Jooris was on the bench of infamy. After regaining the advantage, the Germans took out their goalkeeper again with 15 minutes of play remaining. And for almost 8 minutes, they asphyxiated the Genevans in their defensive zone. In quick succession, they hit the posts and forced Antti Raanta to perform miracles in front of his net. Fortunately for the Eagles, Sakari Manninen managed to score 2-2 in the 54th minute. This goal definitely clipped the wings of the Penguins and the Garnets offer themselves a new semi-final!
Genève-Servette meets Zurich in the semi-final and the matches will take place on January 13-14 and 21-22. Locations and dates must still be confirmed by the CHL. Probably by the end of the week.
Bremerhaven – Genève-Servette 2-2 (0-0;0-0;2-2)
Eisarena Bremerhaven 4436 spectators
Referees: MM. Prazak, Sindel, Jürgens, Laguzov
Buts: 42’26 Bertaggia (Völlmin, Lennström in the empty cage) 0-1, 45’27 Bruggisser (Maegaard at 5c4) 1-1, 45’43 Urbas (Verlic, Abt at 5c4) 2-1, 53’09 Manninen ( Puliot in the empty cage) 2-2
Penalties: 4×2′ against Genève-Servette, 2×2′ against Bremerhaven
Geneva-Servette: Raanta, Le Coultre, Vatanen, Berni, Chanton, Lennström, Karrer, Jacquemet, Bertaggia, Richard, Loosli, Granlund, Manninen, Praplan, Pouliot, Palve, Jooris, Imesh, Cavalleri, Völlmin
Bremerhaven: Franzreb, Grönlund, Rausch, Abt, Bruggisser, Appendino, Eminger, Büsing, Bettahar, Urbas, Jeglic, Verlic, Mauerman, Vikingstad, Görtz, Uher, Kinder, Maegaard, Herrmann, Wejse, Antonen
