Story Summary
Löwen Frankfurt secured two important points in the battle for playoff places with a 3-2 shootout win away to ERC Ingolstadt. Maksim Matushkin converted Frankfurt’s decisive attempt as the sixth shooter after an intense match remained level through overtime.
Goaltender Adam Scheel was central to the visitors’ result, making 34 saves and producing several key stops as Ingolstadt pressed for a winner. Frankfurt twice led through Timo Kose and Austin Wagner, but Riley Barber replied on both occasions for the Panthers.
The visitors had the better finish in the shootout, extending a successful weekend after their derby victory against München on Friday.
Key Facts
- Löwen Frankfurt defeated ERC Ingolstadt 3-2 after a shootout in the DEL.
- Adam Scheel made 34 saves for Frankfurt and stopped a two-on-zero chance during a scoreless first period.
- Timo Kose gave Frankfurt a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute after winning possession at the blue line and driving through the Ingolstadt defence.
- Riley Barber equalised two minutes later, scoring from Nicolas Schindler and Emil Kvernmo Wasenden.
- Austin Wagner restored Frankfurt’s lead in the 47th minute after a precise pass from Linus Fröberg.
- Barber made it 2-2 in the 57th minute and was later denied by Scheel on a chance to put Ingolstadt ahead.
- An apparent Ingolstadt overtime goal was disallowed following video review because of Matthew Wedman’s contact with goaltender Devin Williams.
- Maksim Matushkin scored Frankfurt’s deciding shootout goal as the club’s sixth shooter.
- Frankfurt will host the Straubing Tigers on Friday at 19:30 before welcoming the Iserlohn Roosters on Sunday at 14:00.
IHM Discussion
Frankfurt’s win was built on resilience rather than control of every phase. Ingolstadt created sustained pressure, particularly after Frankfurt’s two leads, and held a clear advantage at the face-off dot. The visitors nevertheless stayed patient, took their opportunities when they arrived and received a decisive performance from Scheel.
Kose’s opener came from an individual play that changed the flow of the second period. Ingolstadt answered quickly through Barber, but Frankfurt again found a route in front when Fröberg picked out Wagner early in the third. That second lead could not be protected to the finish of regulation, as Barber found space for his second goal, yet Frankfurt did not unravel during the late pressure.
The overtime sequence was especially significant. Ingolstadt had a potential winner removed after review, while Frankfurt carried a power play into the extra period following a late Kenny Agostino penalty. Neither side found the decisive goal before Matushkin settled the shootout. It was a close contest in which the Frankfurt netminder and the visitors’ composure in the defining moments made the difference.
Why It Matters
The result gives Frankfurt two points from a difficult away fixture and strengthens their position in the contest for playoff places. It also underlines the value of their goaltending in a game where Ingolstadt repeatedly forced the visitors to defend under pressure.
Frankfurt showed that they could respond after both Ingolstadt equalisers. That mattered as much as the shootout finish: Kose and Wagner supplied the regulation goals, Scheel prevented the hosts from taking over late, and Matushkin delivered when the match reached its final one-on-one test.
Mini Q&A
Who scored the winning goal for Frankfurt?
Maksim Matushkin scored the decisive shootout goal as Frankfurt’s sixth shooter.
Who scored Frankfurt’s regulation goals?
Timo Kose scored in the 32nd minute and Austin Wagner scored in the 47th minute.
How did Adam Scheel perform?
Scheel made 34 saves, including a stop on a two-on-zero chance in the first period and a late save on Riley Barber.
Why was Ingolstadt’s overtime goal disallowed?
The goal was overturned after video review because Matthew Wedman made contact with Ingolstadt goaltender Devin Williams.
Coach Mark Comment
Frankfurt’s most encouraging feature was their ability to remain connected defensively after losing momentum. Ingolstadt’s face-off advantage and late territorial pressure created difficult sequences, but Frankfurt continued to protect the middle and relied on Scheel to handle the chances that broke through. The team also converted two controlled attacking moments into goals, with Kose creating one himself and Fröberg supplying Wagner for the other.
In a road game that reached overtime, discipline in the final details is often decisive. Frankfurt had to withstand Barber’s second equaliser, a disallowed overtime goal at the other end and further chances around the net. They stayed in the match long enough for their shootout depth to matter.
What Comes Next
Frankfurt’s next stated fixtures are at home: the Straubing Tigers visit on Friday at 19:30, followed by the Iserlohn Roosters on Sunday at 14:00.
IHM Final View
Frankfurt left Ingolstadt with a hard-earned 3-2 shootout victory after a match defined by swings in momentum. Scheel’s 34-save performance gave the visitors the platform to stay level during Ingolstadt pressure, while Matushkin’s sixth-round finish ensured that Frankfurt’s two regulation leads were ultimately rewarded.
