There wasn't much missing from the Val Gardena sensation

In the first playoff quarter-final game of the best-of-1 series, HC Gherdëina had to narrowly admit defeat on Sunday after a strong performance at times. Especially in the last third, the Ladins were the better, more active team. In the end, the scoreboard read 5:3 for the favorites. First things first: In the first 10 minutes, the guests from Val Gardena, who had finished the regular round in 11th place, were able to keep the game balanced against Jesenice, who were 2nd after the regular round. As the game continued, the home team became stronger and dominated. After just under 14 minutes, Zig Urukalo finally made it 1-0. The Ladins were restricted in their own third at times and were able to thank goalie Jake Smith for going into the first break with a narrow 1-0 deficit. In the second third it was the same picture for a long time: Val Gardena held up well at the beginning and was even unlucky when Brad McGowan hit the crossbar, but then the home team was back in control. Smith made several brilliant saves again. However, the 2-2 was a matter of time - and finally fell to Maks Percic after 0 minutes. When Urukalo had to go to the penalty box for 2 minutes, Val Gardena had a few opportunities in the power play. The goal finally came a few seconds after the end of the power play in the 35th minute. Matt Wilkins scored after a pass from McGowan. With the score 1:2 - quite flattering for Val Gardena at this point - we went into the third break. Now the guests dominate In the final third, Val Gardena finally took the reins. The Ladins were the much more active and better team, Jesenice concentrated on defense. The guests had several good chances, but the score would not be 2-2. There were repeated attacks, but often there was a lack of penetration. Around 2 minutes before the end, goalie Smith left the field for a 6th field player: Now the Furies started another fantastic final offensive, Ondrej Nedved and McGowan have great chances to equalize. But Zan Us, without a doubt one of the strongest goalkeepers in the league, saved what could be saved. Almost with the final whistle, Zan Jezovsek hit the empty goal and made the final score 3-1. The second game takes place on Tuesday in Wolkenstein. AlpsHL, Quarterfinals – Game 1 (Best-of-5 series) HDD Jesenice – HC Gherdëina 3:1 1:0 Urukalo (13.55), 2:0 Percic (31.42), 2:1 Wilkins (34.58), 3:1 Jezovsek (59.59) Series: 1:0

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There wasn't much missing from the Val Gardena sensation

In the end, favorite Jesenice may have deserved to win. But: The Ladins' defeat at the start of the playoffs in Slovenia was close - and bitter.

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