HC Davos won its pre-semifinal matchup against Karpat Oulu 4-3 on Sunday evening. The home team had to fight tooth and nail following what appeared to be a done deal after 29 minutes and a 4-1 lead. Now they will face Fribourg-Gotteron in the semifinals on Monday evening.

The first move came from Adam Tambellini. The HCD Canadian took a shot on net, gathered up the rebound, and with a skating spin scored, making it 1-0. Only 88 seconds were played. The early lead was of course exactly to Davos’ liking. Still energized by their previous 5-0 over the Straubing Tigers, they pressed forward confidently with momentum and pleasing combinations. That was evidenced by the 13-7 shots on net in their favour after 20 minutes. The only damper was that Filip Zadina left the ice with an injury after only five minutes.

Early on in the second period, the home team shone with their intense offensive pressure and efficiency on the finish. Within six minutes they increased the lead to 4-1. Simon Knak converted a pass by Ambuhl (23rd minute of play), Tino Kessler served up Oula Palve (25th minute), and Enzo Corvi scored on an assist by Tambellini on the powerplay for the fourth goal (29th minute). On the same penalty to Miika Koivisto, Julius Hormonen had scored shorthanded only 47 earlier after a mistake by Davos.

The hosts also controlled the game thanks to their high level of effort – until Nico Gross went overboard and was assessed a 5-minute major penalty. With only one further goal by Patrik Virta 34 seconds before the second intermission, the home team was able to minimize the damage from being a man down for such a long stretch. But now the dominance and ease of their game had disappeared. Virta brought back the suspense with his second marker (48th minute). Davos fought tooth and nail to salvage their narrow lead. HCD goaltender Luca Hollenstein remained on top of his duties even for the final 90 seconds when the Finns pressured on with six skaters.

Text: Spengler Cup Onlineredaktion Foto: Keystone

HC Davos

Kärpät Oulu