- High-scoring showdown lights up Eisarena Bremerhaven
- Early mistakes prove costly for the home side
- Match dominated by penalties and momentum swings
Pinguins Bremerhaven hosted Grenoble on Game Day 3 of the Champions Hockey League. Both sides had plenty at stake, and while the game turned into a high-scoring battle, it was the French visitors who skated away with all three points.
The opening period at Eisarena Bremerhaven was lively but difficult for the hosts. Despite entering as favourites, the Pinguins struggled at the back, giving away possession far too often. Grenoble took full advantage, racing out to a 3–0 lead by the tenth minute. Bremerhaven were not without chances, however, and were rewarded late, as Jan Urbas struck with 22 seconds left to cut the deficit to 3–1.
The second period offered more of the same, only with even greater chaos. By the intermission, the scoreboard already showed ten goals, several scrums, and over forty penalty minutes. Grenoble held a 7–3 lead, though the margin looked harsher than the play suggested. The shot count favoured Bremerhaven 29–23, and with plenty of time left, the Germans still believed in a comeback.
Bremerhaven started the third period brightly, converting two early powerplays to close the gap to 7–5. But that was as close as they would come. Grenoble responded at 46:18 to restore their cushion, and from there held firm until the final buzzer.
In the end, Grenoble earned an impressive 8–5 victory, a statement win away from home in a wild, penalty-filled contest.