The Spengler Cup saw one of its greatest upsets in its over 100-year history on Monday night. In the semifinals the Straubing Tigers bounced the heavy favourite Team Canada with a 4-2 win – and despite difficult circumstances.

Everything seemed to speak against the Straubing Tigers: the opponent and their own tiredness. After all, it was the Germans’ fourth Spengler Cup game within less than 70 hours. Team Canada, by contrast, was only playing its third game in five days. But the Tigers held themselves sensationally well. They did so with a well-thought-out strategy. On defense they acted without compromise and very disciplined with goaltender Zane McIntyre as a fantastic pillar. And they courageously accepted any opportunity to push forward offensively. In addition, the Germans did not get intimidated by the Canadian toughness in battles along the boards.

Straubings’ go-ahead goal gave them further strength. On their first powerplay, Taylor Leier put the puck off the back of the Canadian goalkeeper Colton Ellis and into the goal (4th minute of play). Lugano’s Daniel Carr tied the game in the 8th minute and, in the second period, put his team up 2-1 (26th minute). And what did the Tigers do following this deficit or rather setback? They lit the fireworks. On the 24th shot on net of the team from overseas, JC Lipon finished a dream combination to tie it up at 2-2.

In the third period, Ellis prevented the Tigers’ third goal with several saves during a four-minute powerplay. But Team Canada’s keeper was powerless shortly thereafter, when Joshua Samanski’s redirected shot fluttered over him in a high arc and into the net (50th minute). The final ten minutes after that were a single offensive outpour by the Canadians. But they were all denied by the fantastic McIntyre, who finished with 30 saves. Tim Fleischer’s empty-netter to make it 4-2 was the clincher 107 seconds before the end.

Team Canada will thus continue to wait for its first Spengler Cup triumph since 2019. The Straubing Tigers, who arrived as huge underdogs, on the other hand, will get the opportunity to play for the tournament title in their first ever appearance.
 

Text: Spengler Cup Onlineredaktion    Foto: Keystone