After yesterday’s narrow overtime defeat against Graz, the Innsbrucker Haien, an opponent who is difficult to predict, are coming to the Untere Donaulände tomorrow. Attention: The game starts at 3:30 p.m.!
The people of Innsbruck are a real surprise this season. Although head coach Ryan Kinasewich’s team is in last place in the win2day ICE Hockey League with 22 points, the Tyroleans have still been able to cause a stir with victories against top teams. Just last Sunday, the Haie celebrated a 5:2 win against the Adler from Villach, but yesterday they had to put up with a clear 1:7 defeat against HC Pustertal. A weak point for the Sharks is and remains their defense. With 130 goals conceded, the Innsbruck goalkeepers have had to defend themselves more often than any other team. The Tyroleans haven’t really gotten going yet away from home either: they’ve only been able to celebrate three of their eight wins this season on foreign ice.
This is the third duel of the current season with the Upper Austrians. In the first meeting in Innsbruck, Brian Lebler and Co. won 4-2. The reunion at the Untere Donaulände was only decided in overtime; it was Brian Lebler who secured Linz’s victory with his goal in the 62nd minute. Another weakness of Innsbruck is definitely the outnumbered game, with a penalty killing efficiency of only 70.45 percent. The Linz team could use this to their advantage, especially after the recent very successful power play in Graz, which resulted in two goals. The Sharks’ most offensively dangerous man is Sebastian Benker, who has so far recorded 29 scorer points (9 goals, 20 assists).
Locker room update
Yesterday the Steinbach Black Wings showed a very committed and combative performance over long stretches. After two errors, the Linzers were chasing a two-goal deficit early on, but were able to fight back thanks to two power play goals from Niklas Würschl and Travis Barron. Henrik Neubauer’s goal forced overtime, but the Upper Austrians ultimately had to admit defeat. What was also pleasing was the return of Rasmus Tirronen and Greg Moro, who returned to head coach Philipp Lukas’ line-up after recovering from injuries. Otherwise there will be no further personnel changes for tomorrow’s duel against the Haie.
Just two days after the game against Innsbruck, on December 30th, Hydro Fehervar will be visiting the Untere Donaulände. Tickets for the home game are available online at www.tickets.blackwings.at or at the box office.
Steinbach Black Wings Linz – HC Tiwag Innsbruck
📅 Basic round 33: Sunday, December 28th, 3:30 p.m., Linz AG Eisarena
📺 Live stream: sporteurope.tv
blackwings.at , Image: Black Wings Linz/Eisenbauer
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