In Linz AG Eisarena, the next cracker will increase tomorrow. After the painful defeat against the KAC yesterday, the reigning champion and the next big rival are waiting for the turnaround with Salzburg on Sunday.
After five defeats in a row, the Linzers want to finally end their negative series. However, the task is not easier against Salzburg. Last season, three of the four direct duels went to the red bulls in the basic round. The later master prevailed 4-0 against Feirvár in the quarterfinals of the playoffs and also gave Bolzano a chance in the semifinals. In the fight for the title, the Salzburg remained uncompromising and also impressively defeated the KAC in the final with a sweep. After the fourth title in series, there were only a few changes in the squad of the new head coaches Manny Viveiros. Especially on the defensive, after the departures of Paul Stapelfeldt, Ryan Murphy and Philipp Sinn, as well as the end of the career of Chay Genovay, there were some restructuring. With Connor Corcoran, the master brought a young defender to Salzburg, who, together with newcomer Devante Stephens, who has already gained AHL experience, should provide additional stability.
Also on the offensive, the Mozart townsmen were able to secure the services of some strong new additions. One of them is Michael Raffl, who will now play his brother in the same team for the first time. Raffl brings the experience from over 600 NHL games and has already had 10 scorer points in the current season. Another newcomer is Travis St. Denis, who moved from the German ice hockey league to Salzburg. The red bulls were able to keep the majority of their squad from the pre -season through contract extensions. 17 players remain another season in the Mozart city, including the goalie team David Kickert and Atte Tolvanen. In the previous season, the reigning master has already demonstrated his ambitions and won five out of seven games. The only two defeats set it against the Pustertal Wolves (1: 2) and yesterday against HC Bolzano (1: 4).
Loose room update
As bitter and painful as the defeat against the KAC was, the Upper Austrians showed their best game so far this season. But too many punishments and bad luck in the final phase prevented that the Stahlstadt people could finally take countable. In tomorrow’s cracker, Head Coach Philipp Lukas will not be able to draw on the full. The use of Rasmus Tirrons is questionable after a collision in the third third last night. Long -term injuries Sean Collins, Luis Lindner, Gerd Kragl and Ken Ograjensek are still not available.
After the home doubles, three away games are waiting for the Stahlstädter. On Friday, October 10th, meet the dragons from Laibach. Only on October 24th. Brian Lebler and Co. return to Linz AG Eisarena – again with a double weekend. The Linzer Graz received on Friday before going against Feirvár on Sunday. Tickets for both games are available online at Tickets.blackwings.at and at the box office.
Steinbach Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg
Basic round 8: Sunday October 5th, 5:15 p.m., Linz AG Eisarena
Livestream: Sporteurope.tv
www.blackwings.at, Image: BwL / Draxler
