While Graz is already the first finalist with a sweep, there will be a fifth game in the second semi-final series between HC Falkensteiner Pustertal and Olimpija Ljubljana after the Slovenians were able to record a 5-4 home win after overtime on Easter Sunday. Pustertal now has the next chance to secure its place in the finals for the first time on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. in front of their home crowd – see it live on ORF Sport+ and Sporteurope.tv.
Pustertal goalkeeper Eddie Pasquale remained without conceding a goal for a total of 279 minutes and 17 seconds. That’s a new league record. Mikko Strömberg (HCI) had previously held the record with 250 minutes and 18 seconds from 2007, followed by Atte Tolvanen (RBS), who remained without conceding a goal for a total of 224 minutes and 42 seconds in 2022.
After three 3-0 shutout wins in a row, Pustertal conceded five goals on Sunday and suffered its first defeat in the current playoffs. In the best-of-7 semi-final series against Ljubljana, they still lead comfortably 3-1. If they win the fifth home game of the postseason on Tuesday, their participation in the finals for the first time would be confirmed.
Goalie Eddie Pasquale last had to fall behind in front of the home crowd in the 18th minute of quarter-final four against Salzburg. He then remained without conceding a goal – even away from home – until Easter Sunday, when Rok Kapel equalized in the 12th minute to make it 1-1 for Ljubljana and ended the HCP goalkeeper’s impressive streak of 279 minutes and 17 seconds without conceding a goal. The new league record is now fixed. Mikko Strömberg (HCI) had previously held the record with 250 minutes and 18 seconds from 2007, followed by Atte Tolvanen (RBS), who remained without conceding a goal for a total of 224 minutes and 42 seconds in 2022.
In front of the home fans on Tuesday, Pasquale can extend his streak without conceding a goal and thus secure the South Tyroleans’ place in the final. Semi-final five begins at 7:45 p.m. and can be seen live on ORF Sport+ and Sporteurope.tv.
win2day ICE Hockey League | Semifinal Game 5:
Tue, April 7th, 2026:
7:45 p.m.: HC Falkensteiner Pustertal – Olimpija Ljubljana
Referees: NIKOLIC M., STERNAT, Durmis, Nothegger | LIVE on ORF Sport+ & Sporteurope.tv
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 3:1
ice.hockey, picture: Domen Jancic
