BLZ 1:2 LIN | HC Bolzano - Linköping HC (Champions League)

Champions League

Frölunda – Villach	5:2 (end)	\|	Eisbären – Djurgården	4:3 (2:0 after SO)	\|	Luleå – Nottingham	9:1 (end)
Lukko – Hamburg	5:0 (end)	\|	Kloten – JYP	2:3 (after OT)	\|	Pardubice – TPS	2:3 (1:2 after SO)
Köln – Kärpät	3:2 (end)	\|	Salzburg – HV71	3:1 (end)	\|	Bolzano – Linköping	1:2 (end)

final

HC Bolzano Italy

1:2 (0:0, 0:1, 1:1)

Linköping HC

Sunday 07.09.2014, 18:30 • Eiswelle Bozen • Champions League

		There is the final buzzer, and in highly dramatic finish Linkoping have seen off Bolzano 2:1 for a real smash and grab victory! The game lacked true goalmouth action for long periods, but both sides showed character. Oscar Sundh opened up the scoring in the second stanza, before with just under seven minutes remaining Roland Hofer pulled Bolzano level. But with time running down Gustav Forsling won the game for the Swedes with a heavy slapshot. Thanks for following the game with us, and see you again soon for more thrilling Champions Hockey League action! (20:54:52)
	60:00	Game over.
	59:26	Bolzano have virtually no time to respond but they have pulled Jaroslav Hubl in favour of the extra skater with only just over 30 seconds remaining!
	58:56	Goal for Linköping! What drama here! With overtime almost upon us, Linkoping have surely snatched all three points! Off a faceoff draw on the left the puck rolls back to the point to GUSTAV FORSLING, and he smashes a thunderous slapshot into the net! Assisted by Chad Kolarik and Jeff Taffe. 1:2.
	58:47	With time running down already Bolzano commit icing. They will want to hold out for these final seconds to grab at least a well earned point! And they have taken a timeout with the game in its deciding phase!
	56:41	Gander! What a chance for Bolzano to take a dramatic lead late on! Cutting in with pace Markus Gander slams in a wrist shot, gets to his own rebound, but he can't lift it over the already stricken Marcus Hogberg!
	54:15	The Bolzano fans are in raptures having seen that craved equaliser find the net, and they will be hoping that their momentum can carry them through to cause another big shock!
Too many penalties for Linköping. För mycket utvisningar lhc???? — Benny Thörnell (@BThrnell) Září 7, 2014
	53:28	Goal for Bolzano! Rather unexpectedly the Italians are right back on terms! On a quick and incisive counterattack the puck rolls to ROLAND HOFER waiting just to the left of the crease, and he lashes it into the near corner! Powerplay goal! Assisted by Mark Cullen. 1:1.
	52:47	Little! Shorthanded that could and maybe should have sealed it for Linkoping! Fed all alone steaming down the left flank to the slot Broc Little finds himself one on one, but Jaroslav Hubl comes up big to keep his team in it!
	51:29	Just a few seconds after the hosts came back to full strength they've earnt a timely powerplay for themselves, Mattias Sjogren has been sent to the penalty box for tripping.
	51:00	Gustav Forsling drives the puck in from the blue line with force, but with little traffic in front of him the netminder crouched down makes a good take.
	50:26	Just as a goalmouth scramble off a low center from the right threatened to erupt on the Bolzano crease the net is dislodged, much to the relief of Jaroslav Hubl. He certainly has been one of Bolzano's better players today!
		Visit the official CHL website www.championshockeyleague.net and enjoy news, live videos, game highlights and much more.
	49:02	Bolzano didn't show anything on that powerplay and with just ten seconds left on the Linkoping penalty the Swedes will soon be having a man's advantage themselves, as Marco Insam has been punished for tripping.
	47:12	The first penalty of the third period has gone to Linkoping, as Anton Karlsson for slashing has been handed a two minute minor.
	46:39	Norden! Found all alone between the circles Claes Norden already on his knees shoots menacingly, but it gets deflected up and out of danger!
	44:01	A clever incisive pass from the left hand boards almost picks out Mark Cullen skating in behind for the home side, but the puck just gets away from him!
	42:40	Magnus Johansson waits before thumping in a dangerous looking slapshot from distance, but covering defenders get in the way to block it
	41:13	Linkoping move offside. They haven't really gone at full tilt yet, but you have the feeling that if they need to play better they will.
	40:32	The third and deciding period is go! At only one down Bolzano will be full of hope that they can get back into things!
	40:01	Start of 3rd period.
		Statistics after the first two periods: Shots: 8-16 Saves made by the goalkeeper: 15-8 Penalty minutes: 4-12
		That period did see the pace upped somewhat, and it resulted in Linkoping making the breakthrough as Jaroslav Hubl in the Bolzano net was helpless to stop a slapshot from the left faceoff circle. But several Swedish penalties have given the hosts hope of a comeback!
	40:00	2nd period finished.
	39:52	We're now into the final seconds of a more energetic second period of play.
	39:11	Oscar Sundh charges through the Bolzano zone cutting in from the right, but defenders in front of him take the pace of his attempted wrister.
	39:04	Bolzano just aren't creating enough pressure though and their opponents are already back to full strength!
	37:04	Linkoping's penalties keep on coming as now for tripping Jacob Micflikier has been called, Bolzano's belief is only growing!
		To watch the video coverage of this game visit the official CHL website www.championshockeyleague.net.
	35:23	But the Swedes are running into a bit of penalty trouble, as now for delaying the game Daniel Rahimi is off to have a two minute rest!
	34:50	Linkoping's penalty kill is working very effectively so far today and they're back at full strength with just over five minutes remaining in the period.
So many penalties for LHC lately. Those could get Bolzano closer to goal. Nu tar LHC lite för många utvisningar. Luktar kvittering för Bolzano. #lhchockey #chl — Sophia (@SophiaThrnell) September 7, 2014
	34:25	Miglioranzi! Positioned just to the right of the point Enrico Miglioranzi rips a very strong slapshot, and after a slight deflection Marcus Hogberg does well to not give up any rebounds!
	32:50	Kent McDonnel for tripping while attacking has given Bolzano a second powerplay chance in a row to get something going!
	31:55	Linkoping looked very solid on that penalty kill though and escaping too much danger they're back at full strength
	29:55	Linkoping are going to have some defending to do here as Mattias Sjogren for interference has been sent to the penalty box
	29:01	Bernard! Bolzano's Cramo Top Scorer Anton Bernard creates some havoc inside the Linkoping zone, and arriving at speed at the right hand post he just can't get his stick to a pacy cross ice feed!
	26:13	Bolzano will be very unhappy as to having conceded as soon as they were beginning to grab a foothold in the game, and they will have to show some attacking muscle now!
	24:42	Goal for Linköping! Finally something has happened of note and the Swedes have taken a well needed lead! Teed up on the left faceoff circle OSCAR SUNDH lashes the puck past the netminder and in! Assisted by Jonas Almtorp and Carl Dahlstrom. 0:1.
	23:37	Kolarik! Finding himself with space opening up in front of him Chad Kolarik winds up for a heavy slapper on the left faceoff circle, but Jaroslav Hubl is right behind it!
	21:40	Bolzano commit icing as they look to start the period on the front foot.
	20:33	Here we go in the second period! We all hope that we will have more action to enjoy than in the first!
	20:01	Start of 2nd period.
		Statistics after the first period of play: Shots on target: 2-9 Saves made by the goalkeeper: 9-2 Penalty minutes: 4-4
		Visit the official CHL website www.championshockeyleague.net and enjoy news, live videos, game highlights and much more.
		There wasn't an awful lot to shout about there, but Bolzano's game plan of frustrating their Swedish opponents is working excellently, with Linkoping failing to create many clear cut chances. Let's hope that the second period will see more goalmouth action!
	20:00	1st period finished.
	19:41	Sisca! Just seconds before the first period is out Bolzano finally make Marcus Hogberg work, as a powerful Mathew Sisca drive from the middle of the zone is pushed wide by the goaltender!
	18:44	Bolzano do now manage to hold the puck deep inside Linkoping's zone, but the Swedes hold their line well and eventually manage to clear without too much trouble!
	17:21	Icing is committed by Bolzano. We're still waiting for the game to really take to life, although the home fans inside the arena are doing their best to inspire their team!
	16:26	Bolzano didn't even get a shot on goal for their records during those two minutes though, and it's a five on five hockey game again.
	14:26	Daniel Rahimi of Linkoping has been called for tripping his opponent, and Bolzano have a powerplay chance to try and get some attacking threat going!
Not used to see LHC's coach Melin wearing a tie. Is it because we're in Italy? Det var då rackarns vad Melin har klätt upp sig, är det för att de är i Italien? #slips #lhc — Anna-Karin Johansson (@AKOffa) Září 7, 2014
	13:25	Oscar Sundh flicking his stick away scrapping for the puck on the slot is crowded out, and it deflects into Jarsolav Hubl's grateful grasp. Linkoping are completely dominating possession, but they are lacking cutting edge so far.
	12:39	Linkoping couldn't get set up in the attacking zone at all though, and having defended excellently Bolzano have returned to full strength.
	10:39	The penalties keep on coming, and it's the second in a row for the hosts! Now for slashing Mathew Sisca has handed Linkoping a five on three opportunity!
	09:59	Maguns Johansson from the point chucks the puck into the slot looking for someone to make a telling deflection, but it trickles not too far wide of the right hand post!
	09:18	Linkoping didn't give their opponents anything to feed off there and they're back at full strength. But immediately John Lee of Bolzano for tripping has given the Swedes a powerplay of their own!
	07:12	We have the first penalty of the day and rather surprisingly it's against the visitors, as for interference Jonas Junland has been handed a two minute minor.
	07:00	Hultstrom! Being freed up on the right faceoff circle Linus Hultstrom puts in a very strong effort, and the home netminder is lucky to see that fly over his crossbar!
		To watch the video coverage of this game visit the official CHL website www.championshockeyleague.net.
	05:52	Sebastian Karlsson receiving the puck between the circles lets a pacy wrister go, but it's directly down Jaroslav Hubl's throat. And afterwards tempers just start to raise as the referees have to calm things down!
	05:12	Linkoping commit icing. It's been a very quiet start with practically no shots on goal at all, both sides are looking to feel their way into the game.
	02:48	Chris Norden and Fredric Andersson fashion the first opening of not to the right of Bolzano's crease, but hacking away for it they just can't get any clean attempts away! Bolzano will have to be on their game defensively today!
	01:23	Straight away it's very clear how the balance of power is going to pan out, Linkoping are having very good early possession and looking to cut sharply into their opponents' zone
	00:23	And we're underway here in the Eiswelle Bozen arena, Bolzano will be wanting to send shockwaves again throughout the continent!
	00:01	Game started.
Ready for the @championshockey #Bolzano vs. @LHChockey at Palaonda #CHL #ForzaHCB pic.twitter.com/bZta72eMlW — Michele Bolognini (@micbolo75) September 7, 2014
		The teams are now out on to the ice, and it's just about time to get underway!
		Starting lineups: HC Bolzano: Hubl (Hell)- Egger, Oberdorfer, Pance, Bernard, Gander- Lee, Hofer, Insam, Cullen, Nesbit- Miglioranzi, Crowley, Zisser, Zanette, Sisca- Frank Linköping HC: Hogberg (Rautio)- Johansson, Dahlstrom, Sjogren, Little, Kolarik- Junland, Rahimi, McDonell, Micflikier, Taffe- Hultstrom, A Karlsson, Almtorp, Hardt, Sundh- Forsling, S Karlsson, Tornqvist, Norden, Andersson Referees: M. Rohatsch (GER), I. Dremelj (AUT) – D. Nothegger (AUT), D. Rakovic (AUT).
Linköping thinks this will be a much harder game that the home game against Bolzano. "Det kommer bli en helt annan match" (http://t.co/1qgNpPz2nW) Vem tror du gör LHC:s första mål i matchen i morgon? — Linköping HC (@LHChockey) September 6, 2014
		HC Bolzano are the current Italian champions, but with ice hockey far from the top list of Italian sports it's not so easy for them on the continent. They were thrashed by TPS Turku 0:9 in their beginning game, and they then fell to to their opponents today Linkoping 0:5. But a shock 4:2 victory in the reverse fixture against TPS has made sure that no one will treat them as pushovers now.
		Group F is being spearheaded seamlessly by Linkoping, as with nine points they sit in first position of second placed TPS Turku. The Swedes saw off the challenge of HC Pardubice 2:1 in their opening encounter, before then getting the better of HC Bolzano 5:0 and HC Pardubice again this time 6:3. Despite playing away today, their 5:0 walloping of Bolzano earlier on makes them odds on to take another three points here.
		The Champions Hockey League is a tournament which European fans around the continent have been crying out for, and so far we have witnessed plenty of goal and drama filled matches.
		Hello and welcome to this Champions Hockey League Group F match between HC Bolzano and Linkoping HC. The Swedish visitors are big favourites to take the three points, but as we have seen in this tournament already anything is possible.
		Welcome. Game starts at 18:30.

Recommend

Commentary by

Shaun Nicolaides

Goals & lineups Match log

Goals and assists: 54. Hofer (Cullen) – 25. Sundh (Almtorp, Dahlstrom), 59. Forsling (Kolarik, Taffe)

HC Bolzano: Hubl (Hell) – Egger, Oberdorfer, Pance, Bernard, Gander – Lee, Hofer, Insam, Cullen, Nesbit – Miglioranzi, Crowley, Zisser, Zanette, Sisca – Frank.

Linköping HC: Hogberg (Rautio) – Johansson, Dahlstrom, Sjogren, Little, Kolarik – Junland, Rahimi, McDonell, Micflikier, Taffe – Hultstrom, A.Karlsson, Almtorp, Hardt, Sundh – Forsling, S.Karlsson, Tornqvist, Norden, Andersson.

Referees: M. Rohatsch (GER), I. Dremelj (AUT) – D. Nothegger (AUT), D. Rakovic (AUT)

1st period
	07:12
	09:18
	10:39
	14:26
1st intermission
2nd period
	24:42
	29:55
	32:50
	35:23
	37:04
2nd intermission
3rd period
	47:12
	49:02
	51:29
	53:28
	58:56
Final