RAVENSBURG — The Ravensburg Towerstars suffered a loss in their second game of the new year. Coach Tim Kehler’s team lost 6-3 at EHC Freiburg.
As feared, the Towerstars had to do without Oliver Granz and Marvin Drothen, so the line-up on the ice was the same as it was in Tuesday’s home game against Kassel. In the first minutes the game should largely neutralize, both teams have effectively closed their blue line. It was only after about four minutes that both sides created useful chances to score. The Towerstars were then able to develop playful advantages, including leadership. Louis Latta carried the puck into the goal from the outside goal line and hissed into the net from the shoulder of EHC goalkeeper Patrik Cerveny for the 0:1.
The lead was obviously good for Ravensburg’s game, because the Upper Swabians controlled most of the action, even when they were outnumbered in the 14th minute, they didn’t give in too much. Four minutes before the first break, however, Nikolas Linsemaier’s 1:1 equalizer exploded as surprising as it was useless. With former Ravensburg striker Shawn O’Donnell aiming his shot too high on the break in the last minute of the first half, the Upper Swabians might even be happy not to have to go into the dressing room with a deficit.
In the second half of the match, both teams offered an open exchange of blows in front of 3289 spectators, both goalkeepers were in the spotlight in the regular exchanges. Freiburg presented themselves more consistently in the exploitation of scoring chances in the 30th minute, whereby the final top scorer of Freiburg’s 2:1 lead goal should not have been in the slot so unchallenged. However, the Towerstars shrugged off the setback promisingly, because only three minutes later Daniel Schwaiger was able to equalize 2:2 from the blue line, which was certainly not undeserved. In terms of counterthreats, however, the Towerstars remained vulnerable. For example, Jonas Langmann saved in the last minute of the central third when Sebastian Hon went solo.
The start of the final section could not have been less favorable for the Ravensburger cracks. A good 23 seconds after the faceoff they went on the break again and with Calvin Pokorny another former Ravensburger pushed the puck to 3:2. A few changes later, however, the Towerstars had a good chance to get the false start back on track. In just under two minutes, the hosts each had two penalty minutes and the second power play in the 45th minute was successful. Josh MacDonald hammered a precisely timed pass to the right faceoff directly and unsustainably into the far corner and at 3: 3 the game was wide open again.
However, puck losses in the neutral zone remained problematic, which Freiburg also exploited mercilessly. A 3-on-1 counterattack was completed by Christoph Kiefersauer to a 4:3 lead. Although the Towerstars had some top-level scoring chances in the next few minutes, the game then slipped completely through the Towerstars’ fingers with four minutes remaining. In the initially confused turmoil in front of Ravensburg’s goal, the puck remained behind Jonas Langmann on the goal line, Kevin Orendorz then pushed the ball over the line for 5:3. Only 37 seconds later, the Towerstars ran into the following counterattack and Wolves’ top scorer Tor Immo did not give Jonas Langmann a chance at 6:3. Jonas Langmann made sure that the defeat was not even higher with a penalty save 23 seconds before the final buzzer.
“Unfortunately, in past matches, we have always found a way to lose the game. We made too many mistakes in the puck and set-up today,” said Towerstars coach Tim Kehler after the game. “At the moment it’s obvious that all teams in the league are aiming for a higher level and it’s time we did the same “, he added, dissatisfied.
On Sunday the Towerstars welcome Heilbronner Falken onto their ice, who had to admit defeat against the relegated DEL Krefeld with the score of 1:2 on Friday evening. The match starts at 18:30. Tickets are available for presale in the Fan Shop at Marktstraße 20, at all Reservix presale points, online in the Online Ticket Shop and at the box office.
Fans who can’t make it to the CHG Arena can also watch the game live as a paid stream www.sprade.tv Follow.
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