Ice hockey semi-final

3:1! Eisbullen gave the right answer in Bolzano

Goalie Tolvanen only conceded one goal - which was a curious one.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Valentina Gallina)

Salzburg regained the right to play at home by winning in Bolzano. The semi-final series is now best of five. Continuation on Sunday in Salzburg.

The 5,500 spectators in the Bolzano Ice Wave had to wait until 32:23 for the first goal in the second semi-final game. Then Robertson - beautifully served by Nissner - scored Salzburg's first goal in the series and caused confusion for the South Tyroleans, who were far from as solid as in game one.

Until the curious equalizer was scored while the Bulls were shorthanded: A puck that bounced off the Plexiglas behind the goal fell into the visitors' goal via the crossbar and the back of goalie Tolvanen. But just 14 seconds later, Raffl scored to restore the lead - Harvey, who had been a brick wall when Bolzano made it 2-0 in game one, was beaten twice in the space of six minutes. That built up the champions, who continued to play compactly. Like Paul Huber's spectacular 3:1, Tolvanen and Co. kept things tight even when short-handed and brought the series 1:1 to a close.

Shot into the corner of the net - Paul Huber (right) was able to celebrate with Wukovits.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Valentina Gallina)

"We stuck to our game plan really well, allowed very little and took our chances up front," said Paul Huber. And his goal? "It finally worked out again."

The KAC is already 2:0 ahead in the series: 4:2 win in Pustertal.