The Augsburger Panther and EHC Biel-Bienne tied 2-2 in the first game of their Round of 16 match-up, but after having the run of play over the first two periods and building up a two-goal lead, the Panther will be disappointed with not having the lead. Biel-Bienne, on the other hand, will be satisfied with starting level on home ice.

The only goals over the first 40 minutes came in the opening minute of each period. On the game’s first rush, Scott Valentine found Jaroslav Hafenrichter streaking to the net. With a brilliant forehand deke, Hafenrichter opened the scoring at the 28-second mark. Then in the first minute of the second period, Elien Paupe got a shoulder on the initial shot by Sahir Gill, but the Biel-Bienne defence couldn’t clear the rebound and Gill recovered it and fed Matthew Fraser, who snapped it home.

Finally, with just under 13 minutes to play, the many Biel-Bienne fans who made the road trip had something to cheer about when Stefan Ulmer bumped off the puck in the attacking zone but it went right to David Ullström, who ripped it through the legs of Roy. They kept up the pressure and tied it with 6:07 to go when Ullström won a battle for the puck behind the net and feathered a pass to Toni Rajala, who absolutely leaned into it and beat Roy short-side with the one-timer.

With the momentum on their side, Biel-Bienne pushed for the go-ahead marker in the late going. They didn't get it, but they'll be satisfied with earning the tie on the road after falling behind by two goals.