Ljubljana wins finals opener after overtime

Defending champion HK SZ Olimpija Ljubljana won game one of the finals against Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey. The Slovenians took the 1:0 lead after just 44 seconds with a placed shot into the cross corner by Ziga Pesut. It was the sixth goal in this year's playoffs for the 28-years-old left wing. The guests from Asiago found it difficult to get into the game. In total, they had only one major chance in the entire opening period. Ljubljana, in turn, had numerous more chances without scoring any more goals. Overall, the first period ended with thirteen shots on goal to four in favor of HKO.

In the second period, little changed in the game. Ljubljana continued to set the tone. However, no further goals were scored. In the last period, the Slovenians were awarded a penalty after about five minutes. Ales Music promptly took advantage of the overtime. The 38-years-old's well-placed shot was unstoppable for Gianluca Vallini in the goal of Asiago. A little later, the Italians were also awarded a penalty. And the 2018 AHL champion also took advantage of the power play. Alexander Gellert took a shot from the blue line and overcame Paavo Hölsä in the goal of the "Dragons". After this Asiago was subsequently better in the game. And 45 seconds before the end of the game, the guests even managed to equalize. A shot by Steven McParland slipped through Hölsä's leg protectors. Thus, final one went into overtime. In this both teams had chances at the beginning. The decision finally fell after six minutes and 43 seconds. Ziga Pance scored after Miha Stebih's assist. It was already the seventh goal in the playoffs for the captain of the Slovenians.

Alps Hockey League:
HK SZ Olimpija Ljubljana – Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey 3:2-OT (1:0, 0:0, 1:2)
Referees: LESNIAK, PAHOR, Bergant, Snoj.
Goals HKO: 1:0 Pesut Z. (1. Simsic N. – Vallerand M.), 2:0 Music A. (47./PP1 Ropret A. – Logar M.), 3:2 Pance Z. (67. Stebih M. – Ropret A.)
Goals ASH: 2:1 Gellert A. (51./PP1 Magnabosco J. – McParland S.), 2:2 McParland S. (60. Gellert A. – Rosa M.)

Copyright: Eva Brili Grebenar