Visiting side Luleå Hockey took Grizzlys Wolfsburg 3-2 during their First Game matchup in the Champions Hockey League Round of 16. An opening powerplay goal from Canadian forward Brendan Shinnimin set the Swedes up early but it wasn't all good news according to Head Coach Thomas Berglund, who expressed some concern that Luleå, despite their offensive zone presence, were not able to score more.

The team in black and yellow, who were missing top scorer Isac Brännström, still managed to outshoot their German rivals 36-21, and were able to capitalise on one out of their five powerplay chances, but couldn't find their net-front touch to secure a bigger margin. The 3-2 result gave Wolfsburg a very doable challenge in the upcoming Return Game where aggregate score will see Luleå enter with a one-goal lead.

Although the German side appeared at times to struggle for puck possession, faceoff wins were relatively on par, while Wolfsburg played the body far more, out-hitting their opponents 11-4. With five penalties compared to Luleå's one, the Germans lost half a period playing shorthanded, and will no doubt be looking to clamp down giving any possible advantage to their rivals.

Grizzlys Head Coach Mike Stewart was complimentary of Luleå's game, but equally pleased with the efforts of his team, especially the third period where he felt his side were the better team. 

Defensively Luleå were superior, blocking 14 shots compared to Wolfsburg's six, hampering the offensive effectiveness of the German side. Wolfsburg forwards Darren Archibald and Jean-Christophe Beaudin  collected singles keeping them in the top three for points on their roster.

In the crease, Luleå netminder Matteus Ward made 19 saves, allowing just two into his net, and finishing up with a 90.48 save percentage, while Dustin Stahlmeier had a busier night with 33 saves, three goals against and a 91.67 save percentage.

Lines wise, the relatively even distribution of Luleå ice time as a whole worked in their favour. No player exceeded 22 minutes on ice, and fresh legs kept the puck on Luleå's tape for much of the game, something that the team will hope to repeat. In contrast, Wolfsburg heavily relied upon their top defensemen including Jordan Murray, Nolan Zajac and Dominik Bittner who all clocked over 23 minutes. Murray in particular racked up a monumental 31.34 minutes on the ice.  

Expect to see Wolfsburg push the pace as they go for broke in their next game. A win is within their reach, while their Swedish rivals are seeking a repeat a solid first performance with strong puck possession. This game is going to be fast and down to the wire.