EHC Kloten has the last word against EV Zug
Klotner's team is heading towards achieving a sure victory over the third-place team in the standings, and then towards defeat. Jonathan Ang made up for them in extra time.
They secured the win for Kloten: defender Leandro Profico does the preparatory work, and striker Jonathan Ange scores 5:4 in extra time.
Photography: Patrick B. Kramer (Keystone)
5,000 fans witnessed a dramatic 5:4 home win for EHC Kloten against Zug. The final turning point was Kloten's game-winning goal, scored by Jonathan Ainge 49 seconds into extra time. Thus, the game of unrest ends. Kloten starts the final third with a 3-1 lead, but has to give it up. Leon Muggli reduced the score to 2:3 and Zug managed to make it 4:3 with goals from Jan Kovar and Gregory Hofmann. In his penultimate game as coach of the Cloutins, Larry Mitchell replaced goalie Juha Mitsola with a field player with just 160 seconds left – and he was successful. Axel Simic scores 4:4 – The referees recognize the goal after studying the video for a long time.
I gained self-confidence
The fact that Kloten did not give up with defeat in mind proves that the team has gained a lot of self-confidence after their derby win over the ZSC Lions. This is clear from the first minute against the third-placed team: in the body language, in the willingness to fight and run, in the rush forward, and in the courage to take direct shots. The mood in the stands is also much better than during the previous long losing streak. EHC again has credit in Kloten.
Zug takes an early lead. But this does not last long. Less than two minutes later, the score became 1:1. The Kloteners were stubborn in the attacking third, got the puck and equalised. Marc Marchand scores after a shot from David Reinbacher. It is clear that Kloten controlled the first third after 1:1. But it does not take advantage of the opportunities it creates.
Running storm kloten
With 16:5 shots on target, EHC made a strong run in the middle third, which was also rewarded with goals. Marchon scored his second goal of the evening as he waited in the right place once again after Ugamaki's failed shot. Keanu Derong's 3-1 score after a shot from top scorer Axel Simic is a textbook distraction.
For a long time nothing came of Zug – except sanctions. In the middle third alone, four Swiss midfielders went into the penalty area. This shows that things are not going well for Dan Tagnes' team at the moment. When the reaction finally comes towards the end of the final third, Kloten is settled in his own zone. And when the home team starts to waver, they have an answer ready.
With his third win in a row, Kloten has a very good chance of avoiding a playoff spot. As for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers team, which is in twelfth place, it has only one additional point to its name. It will help if Kloten can continue his short run on Saturday with an away match against Agui.
Did you find an error? Report now.
“Creator. Troublemaker. Reader. Tv nerd. Proud beer advocate. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Introvert. Certified zombie practitioner. Thinker.”
More Stories
Dortmund, Bayern, Real Madrid: the Champions League is free here
17-year-old Henry Burnett – Big goals and one-handed backhand as a trademark – Sports
The United States pays $138.7 million to gymnastics victims – Sports