Hard-won victory for Olimp

After the loss of Ferencvarosi, Olimp has the golden chance to stay alone at the top of standing before the last round, while it’s already the last call for Valk Tartu, hammered in the opening game despite a good start. Estonian team has defender Ivan Troshkov suspended after the major penalty called for the charge on Ferencvarosi forward Kulmala. The first period flows sleepy without emotions, Valk, as in the game against Ferencvarosi, shows a good technique and physical presence on the ice, while Olimp has certainly a more competitive roster, with experience and class.

Sandis Mezaraups from short distance shots on goalie Bunin in the first chance of second period, before Valk opens the score with Dmitri Kuznetsov perfectly finishing a counterattack, beating goalie Zakrevskis. Olimp has a strong reaction, bombarding Bunin cage from long and short distance, finding the Russian goalie always reactive. Valk shots more frequently but especially from the medium range the players are inaccurate. While Olimp seems not be able to score despite the more pression, Valk manages to double the score at 35:53 with Harri Koll netting a rebound after a shot from Stefan Garanin. As in the previous night, it’s again veteran Pujacs to reopen the game finding the net from the blue, courtesy of Andrei Bunin not securing the puck. The goal reanimates the Latvian champion, able to tie game before the siren: Sandis Grinbergs finds the right hole to beat Bunin from short distance.

The Valk goalie pays the bad final of period and is replaced by Juri Bahturin in the third. But the new goalie is not perfect when Sandis Grinbergs pushes the puck in the net for the 3-2 Olimp at 47:06. When Latvian team seems to pack the victory, Valk ties game finishing with Ivan Akimov’s one-timer a power play. With a minute left, Kriss Lipsbergs hits the post and in the same action, Olimp finds the game winning goal with Kirils Tambijevs. Tartu pull the goalie suffering the fifth goal empty ney with Mikaelis Redlihs

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