The win2day ICE Hockey League is about to complete the basic phase. Red Bull Salzburg is still fighting for third place before the last games against Fehérvár and Innsbruck. Direct qualification for the Champions League was missed – but the clear goal remains the championship title.
Head coach Manny Viveiros Despite shape fluctuations, sees no reason to worry. Injury problems at the start of the season, the long Olympic break and the league’s high level of performance would have contributed to the ups and downs. In the meantime, Salzburg even set the club record with twelve wins in a row. “We started the season this year with a lot of injuries, and for the first few weeks we were constantly without five to seven players. That also makes it difficult for the team to find itself,” Viveiros told the “Salzburg News“.
Whether it’s third or fourth place, Viveiros doesn’t see a possible lack of home advantage in the semifinals as a disadvantage. Salzburg has the quality to win away from home at any time. Noticeable: The series champion sometimes even has an easier time in unfamiliar halls.
With two “ones” in the playoffs
David Kickert was particularly impressive in goal with a catch rate of 94.1 percent. However, there is no fixed number one for the play-offs – Salzburg is relying on two equal top goalies. “The fact is that we have two absolutely equal number 1 keepers. That can be important in a long play-off series.”
With defender Cole Krygier, they also responded to the ongoing injury concerns and created additional squad depth. “That was due to the experiences we had during the season. We had so many injuries that we wanted more squad depth. That’s already paying off, three defenders are currently missing. Lewington is suspended, Hörl and Wimmer are injured, Hörl will be out for a few weeks.”
Salzburg is relying on its extensive playoff experience for the decisive phase – because when it counts, the defending champions are well prepared.
Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
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