Budapest, 25 September. Milano suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 3-0 on Ferencváros ice, with the last two goals scored into an empty net. In effect, the game was decided by Canadian Silye's goal two minutes into the third period, the product of a fine passing play with Bengtsson and Savoie that left him with a clear shot. Milano, however, have plenty to regret: in the first period, three power plays were not enough to break the deadlock in a game played at a fairly modest pace, which the Rossoblu approached with the same line-up as last Wednesday night.
The second period produced the most chances. At one end, first Saracino and then Cuglietta were unable to convert breakaways. At the other, the post rescued Smith on Hadobás's shot, and Smith then pulled off a double save to deny Laskawy. In fits and starts, the game dragged on to the second intermission still goalless. The Hungarians also squandered a couple of power plays.
Conceding early in the final frame did not deflate Milano, who raised the intensity over the following shifts and repeatedly put pressure on the Magyar defence, backed by an excellent Nagy in goal. At the height of their push, the Rossoblu lacked only the finishing touch, with Caamano missing a couple of golden opportunities. Towards the end, fatigue began to show for a Milano side on their fourth consecutive road game, with hours upon hours of bus travel in their legs. Late on, Shedden pulled Smith for the extra attacker, but a turnover led to the 2-0 goal. The third also went into an empty net, by which point the game was already over. But tomorrow is another day: heading up the Danube, the Rossoblu will visit Vienna (7.30pm, live on SportEurope at this LINK).
