Alps Hockey League: Zell am See level final series with shutout in Jesenice
EK Zeller Eisbären celebrated a 4:0 victory in Jesenice on Tuesday in the second Alps Hockey League final, levelling the best-of-7 series. Nick Huard scored twice for the visitors, while goaltender Max Zimmermann recorded his second shutout of the current playoffs. Game three will take place in Zell am See on Thursday.
1 min read
In front of almost 2.000 spectators, it took Zell am See just twelve seconds to take the lead. Christian Jennes sent the puck in front of goal and Aljaz Predan bundled it over the line. Jesenice matched their opponents, but the visitors were more efficient. Shortly before the end of the period, the Pinzgau side established themselves in the offensive zone. McLeod first tried his luck with an individual effort before setting up Nick Huard, who made it 2:0 with a one-timer.
Early in the middle period, Zell am See extended their lead as Huard found the far corner. The regular-season winners now had the game under control. Jesenice were unable to capitalise on any of their three power plays, with the Slovenians pulling goaltender Zan Us for an extra skater with 55 minutes gone.
Kilian Rappolt sealed the 4:0 final score with an empty-net goal, while goaltender Max Zimmermann recorded his second shutout of the current playoffs. Game three will take place in Zell am See on Thursday.
Alps Hockey League - final:
HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice vs. EK Die Zeller Eisbären 0:4 (0:2,0:1,0:1)
Score in the best-of-7 series: 1:1
