Munich, Germany - David Oliver struck twice Sunday night as the Munich Barons skated past the Iserlohn Roosters, 4-1. Munich’s top line also shined as Peter Douris, Derek Plante and Derek King each recorded two-point performances. The victory moved Munich into a first-place tie with the Adler Mannheim.

Andy Schneider was the story of the day, though, as lack of depth on defense couldn’t stop the Barons from registering a perfect six-point weekend.

“He’s one of the best players in the DEL”

With Kent Fearns (groin) and Jason Herter (meniscus) both out after surgeries and youngster Christoph Schubert suspended for a game after his game misconduct at Augsburg, Munich could only field four regular defenders. Versatile two-way player Andy Schneider had to help out once again, joining the defensive pairings of Mike Smazal/Patrick Köppchen and Shane Peacock/Hans Lodin.

„It’s not easy to replace top defensemen like Fearns or Herter,” Schneider stated. “Of course, I prefer playing a forward position.”

Schneider did a great job on defense, though, and even picked up a point assisting on the 2-1 lead scored by Derek King midway through the game.

“Andy is a great player,” Barons head coach Sean Simpson was full of praise. “He’s always ready to give a hundred percent. He can skate, pass, defend, he’s strong at both ends of the ice. In my opinion, he’s one of the best players in the DEL. And one of the most underrated, too.”

Handrick back from injury, Rosen out

Jörg Handrick was back in the lineup after recovering from a knee surgery. Johan Rosen had to take a break because of back spasm suffered in Friday’s win at Augsburg.

With 2,136 in attendance, the Barons got off to a great start. Seven minutes into the campaign, Mike Kennedy set up Oliver for the early 1-0 lead. Sean Tallaire took advantage of a penalty to Munich’s Köppchen to tie the game at one apiece at 27:16.

Munich responded immediately, though. Only 42 seconds after the equalizer, Derek King wristed a shot past Roosters netminder Dimitrij Kotschnew.

Derek King scores game-winner

A goal that would eventually turn out to be the game winner. The Barons still had to a long way thereafter, though. Despite clearly dominating, the game stayed close till late in the third period.

Derek Plante put it out of reach when he blasted home for the 3-1 lead with just under seven minutes to go.

David Oliver picked up his second score of the day when he capped the scoring at 4-1 on an empty-netter only five ticks from the final horn.

München Barons - Iserlohn Roosters 4:1 (1-0, 1-1, 2-0)
Tore: 1-0 (6:13) David Oliver (Mike Kennedy - 4:4), 1-1 (27:16) Sean Tallaire (Terry Hollinger, Doug Ast - 5:4), 2-1 (27:58)Derek King (Peter Douris, Andy Schneider), 3-1 (53:06) Derek Plante (Peter Douris, Derek King), 4-1 (59:55) David Oliver (5:6).
Penalties: München 6, Iserlohn 12.
Attendance: 2136.