Crocodiles Kundl vs. Penguins Wattens: Battle for Playoff Spot
Crocodiles vs. Penguins: Key Playoff Clash in Division West
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the Division West of the Austrian Hockey League as the EHC Crocodiles Kundl welcome the WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins to the Eisarena Kundl on Friday. With just three games left in the regular season, Kundl can clinch their playoff spot with a victory, leading the standings by five points over their visitors.
The direct duels so far this season tell an interesting story. Wattens started strong with a 2:0 home win, but Kundl responded in kind a week later, winning 6:2 in their own arena. The Crocodiles then added a 5:3 victory in Wattens mid-December. Both coaches, Kundl’s Gerhard Maier and Wattens’ Manfred Burgstaller, recognize the magnitude of this clash, with Maier stating, "We want to secure the last playoff ticket with a home win."
In other Division West action, the SC Samina Hohenems host the HC Kufstein, aiming to secure second place. Hohenems’ Head Coach Thomas Sticha wants his team to build on their recent form, while Kufstein’s Roland Luchner is confident his side can ride their five-game winning streak. Later, Hohenems takes on Dornbirner EC, hoping to replicate their 7:0 drubbing from the reverse fixture.
Meanwhile, the EHC Lustenau, already assured of top spot, takes on Kundl, aiming to keep their form sharp for the playoffs. The HC Kufstein welcomes Wattens, with both games ciertas being crucial for playoff positioning.
Sharks vs. ATSE: Playoff Drama in Division Ost
Attention turns to the Division Ost, where the UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden host ATSE Graz and HDK Maribor plays Kapfenberger SV Kängurus. Both matches could decide the final playoff spot, with Maribor and ATSE locked in a tense battle.
Gmunden, who led the division for much of the season, has struggled recently but can still make a significant impact. ATSE’s Head Coach Markus Losch remembers their last encounter, a narrow 3:2 loss. Maribor, meanwhile, hopes to secure their playoff place against the defending champions, Kapfenberg.
Sunday sees a Graz double-header. After facing Gmunden, ATSE honors their 1975 championship team against the Wiener Eislauf-Verein and bids farewell to long-time official Hans Dobida. The celebrations, however, won’t distract from the importance of the match, with playoff aspirations still at stake.
Gmunden closes out their home campaign against Maribor, with both matches potentially deciding playoff fates. As Maribor’s Head Coach Jure Verlič puts it, "We must play as a unit and give it our all in every battle." With so much resting on these games, fans can expect an exciting finish in both divisions.
This Friday’s matchup between the Crocodiles and the Penguins is more than just another game; it’s a pivotal clash with playoff implications hanging in the balance. The Crocodiles, hungry to secure their postseason berth, will rely on their relentless pressure and home-ice advantage. The Penguins, however, boast an array of offensive firepower and a knack for pulling off upsets.One thing is certain: the Eisarena Kundl will be electric with anticipation as these two fierce rivals collide in a battle for supremacy.Who will emerge victorious and take a commanding step towards the playoffs? Only time will tell in this thrilling showdown.