Lucky shoot-outs for Germany decided a nailbiter against Slovakia

Slovakia started better by performence but it was Germany which scored goals. By the halftime, it was a three goal difference. However, the Slovaks managed to equalize it and then again in last minute, so the shoot-outs had to decide. Germany was more fortunate and saved the top divison.

The Slovaks had some chances early in the game, but they conceded instead. Patrick Seifert surprised everybody with a goal from a nice backhand move. He himself then hit a post just a minute later as the momentum was at the German side back then.

Slovakia was pushing even after the first intermission, but they couldn’t get it in. On the other side, the Germans managed to punish every single mistake of their opponent and scored two more before the halftime. Yannik Baier at first with a nice shot into top left corner and then Fabio Carciola who found the back of the net after Brandt’s assist.

The scoreline was just unacceptable for the Slovaks, as it didn’t quite reflect the real picture. They motivated themselves well during the halftime break, because once they got back into play they finally started scoring as well.

At first Roman Simunek pulled one down with a deflection on Ruckay’s attempt. Just 22 seconds later, Juraj Prokop made it 2:3 as he snapped it in from the spot. For more, Jakub Ruckay equalized another moment later and the game was even just like that.

The Germans got their lead back early in the final quarter with Adrian Carciola‘s breakaway finish between Ondrejka’s legs. The time went out quickly for Slovakia, but they managed to answer even now. With a minute left on the clock, Peter Novajovsky scored and tied up to send into OT.

Since overtime brought no goals, the shoot-outs had to decide. Seifert and Preisinger both scored in the second series. Fabio Carciola added a second one for Germany in the third one and since Prokop only hit Ower’s pads, the Germany was saved.