Tailor-made start for DEG
Wolfsburg’s Chris DeSousa (2nd) fired the first shot on goal, but his attempt landed in the hand of DEG keeper Hendrik Hane. Shortly thereafter, Düsseldorf’s first shot on goal landed in the goal: Carter Proft, who was positioned behind the Wölfe goal, put it on Jerry D’Amigo (2nd), who pushed the disc over the line.
The home side remained the better team. Grizzly goalkeeper Dustin Strahlmeier parried dangerous attempts by Stephen MacAuley, Proft and Tobias Eder (9th/10th) within two minutes. Despite Düsseldorf’s superiority, Wolfsburg equalized towards the end of the first third: Jonas Enlund (18th) converted the rebound after a shot by DeSousa.
Wolves immediately equalize renewed DEG leadership
In the second period, DEG struck again: After a shot by Wolves, Düsseldorf countered via MacAuley (23rd), who remained ice cold in front of Strahlmeier and scored to make it 2-1. But the joy was short-lived. 87 seconds later, Wolfsburg’s Julian Melchiori (24th) equalized with a powerful wrist shot from the right side, DEG goalkeeper Hane’s view was blocked.
The Grizzlies were now much better in the game and developed more goal threat. Hane (31′) prevented Düsseldorf from falling behind with a lightning reaction to a one-timer by Fabio Pfohl.
Grizzlies strike early in the final third
In the last third, the Wolfsburg made a dream start. Enlund pulled into the slot and passed to DeSousa (42nd), who gave Hane no chance with a direct acceptance. Düsseldorf then had a hard time and couldn’t get back on track. 15 seconds before the end of the game, Brendan O’Donnell fired a hard shot at the near corner, which Ray Meier happily blocked with the schooners.
Early leadership for Iserlohn in Cologne
In the game against the Kölner Haie, Iserlohn took the lead in the fourth minute through Eugen Alanov. Cologne equalized just before the end of the first period when Mark Olver (18) held the bat in a turning shot by Marcel Müller. In a hard-fought game, the Haie took the lead in the second half through Alexander Roach (30′), who scored from a follow-up shot.
In the last third, Iserlohn equalized with a powerful shot from Alec McCrea (51st). In overtime, it wasn’t a minute before Joseph Whitney scored the winning goal for the Sauerland team after a long pass.
Krupp protects players
Cologne coach Uwe Krupp, who had criticized his team after the last defeat, defended his players this time. “The guys did a great job, were there and reacted well. Unfortunately, they didn’t reward themselves.”Krupp said after the game on “MagentaTV”.