First intense period
The first third is played at a very high pace at the zondacrypto-Arena, Davos immediately showing himself to be very enterprising and putting a lot of intensity into his game. The Grisons multiply their attempts, but come up against an excellent Reto Berra, very solid in front of his cage. Despite this Grisons domination, Freiburg struck first: in the 15th minute, Lucas Wallmark delivered a brilliant pass for Marcus Sörensen who left Aeschlimann no chance. The Dragons think they have done the hardest part, but Davos reacts immediately. Thirteen seconds later, Knak, completely alone due to the presence of three Friborg players behind the cage to defend on Parée, deceives Reto Berra. After twenty minutes, the two teams are back to back (1-1).
Davos punishes Gottéron
From the start of the second period, Davos pushed. The domination of Graubünden materializes during their powerplay. On a poorly negotiated Friborg change, Aeschlimann surprises everyone with a long pass for Filip Zadina who doesn’t need to be asked to beat Berra and make it 2-1 (29th). Friborg tried to react and created several clear chances, notably through Sörensen, Sprunger or Bertschy, but lacked realism against a very solid Aeschlimann in his cage. Despite a good end to the third and another unsuccessful power play, the Dragons were unable to come back to the score.
A stroke of genius from Wallmark
The third third begins with a more closed rhythm. Davos pushed in sequences, but came up against a solid Friborg defense and a vigilant Reto Berra. We had to wait until the 48th minute to see the match ignite: Lucas Wallmark signed a high-class individual feat and deceived Aeschlimann with a sumptuous backhand to equalize at 2-2. Invigorated, the Dragons raised their voice and showed themselves to be dangerous, particularly on attempts by Seiler or Arola, whose shot crashed into the post at the last minute. After sixty minutes, Davos and Friborg are tied (2-2) and will have to decide in overtime.
Unbreathable extensions
The first extension offers an intense and indecisive spectacle between Davos and Fribourg. The Grisons largely dominated the debates and pushed to score the decisive goal but came up against an immense Reto Berra and a heroic Friborg defense. Despite this pressure, the Dragons are not content to suffer and are also dangerous on the counterattack. Unlucky, Gottéron hit the upright twice during this extension.
Quite a symbol
As the tension reaches its peak in Act III, it is ultimately the Friborg captain, Julien Sprunger, who turns the match on its head. In the 89th minute, well served by Seiler, he placed this puck in a mouse hole and scored the liberating goal, offering victory to the Dragons at the end of an unbreathable match. Friborg thus won 3-2 after extra time and achieved a real feat by winning a second time in Davos, at the same time taking a 2-1 advantage in the series.
Gottéron will be able, on Friday, to try to make the break in this final which is still so tight and indecisive.
