Stationary war between Medvescak and Salzburg in EBEL playoffs

Some great match-ups in the quarterfinals show that teams preserved their energy in the intermediate round and saved it for the playoffs.

Medvescak - Salzburg 3:2 (Medvescak lead series 1-0)

A great match-up between the two, probably the best in the whole quarterfinals. A stationary war was led yesterday in Ledena Dvorana in Zagreb and the home team came out victorius. They showed they can play against the richest and the most unpleasant team in the whole league. Medvescak opened the scoring through Fraser, who somehow managed to get the loose puck through Bruckler's legs. An exciting 1st period of hockey, and the momentum was on Medvescak side. But as the 2nd period started, the Bulls stroke back. Only 19 seconds into the play, Salzburg dump the puck and Duco ends up scoring. Bruckler made some crucial saves for the Bulls when the momentum was again turning Medvescak's way. Moments after, Davison was called for high-sticking and Medvescak had 2 minutes of extra man on the ice. But the best opportunities were made by the Austrians and Robert Kristan in net had to save Medvescak from conceding. Just as the third period began Nathan Perkovich scored after a great pass from Miller. red Bulls had chances on the powerplay after but they didn't capitalized so Roman Tomas made it 3-1 for the Bears. Later Salzburg tried to play 6-on-4 on a powerplay but couldn't score. In the end, Rob Schremp finished the scoring, but it was not enough for Salzburg. The next game takes place Tuesday in Austria.

Vienna - Znojmo 6:3 (Vienna lead series 1-0)

The biggest victory of the day was in the capital of Austria where the Capitals smashed the Czechs 6:3. The visitors opened the scoring when Fiala scored only 39 seconds into the game. Prior to the end of the 1st period the Caps ensured the lead, Schiechl and Rotter scored to turn the result. In the middle period Ferland makes it 3:1, Wharton reduces the lead to 3:2. However, Olsson, Ferland and Soares ensure Vienna takes the victory at home. The last goal came from Jarusek seven minutes before the end.

KAC - Graz 2:1 (KAC lead series 1-0)

In Klagenfurt the home team was the favoured one, but it wasn't at all easy against the obstinate visitors from Steyr. Just three minutes after the opening faceoff, Mike Siklenka opened the scoring for Klagenfurt with a fine shot from the blue line. The 99ers tried to strike back but Andy Chiodo looked unbeatable and made some magnificent saves. In the second period, Klagenfurt started strong and their forwards were testing Graz goalie Frederic Cloutier, who was ready for that. A minute after Tyler Spurgeon scores to increase the lead. KAC couldn't capitalize on a 5-on-3 powerplay and the visitors wanted to reduce the lead, yet they didn't manage to. By the start of the 3rd, Van Ballegooie shot towards Chiodo, and Greg Day scored on the rebound. In the end this tough game came to the hands of the Red Jackets to take the lead in the series.

Linz - Villach 2:4 (Villach lead series 1-0)

The only visitors' victory came for Villach as they played the reigning champions in Linz. Derek Damon's powerplay goal in the first period gave the lead to the Carinthians, who increase the lead to 0:3 thanks to Justin Taylor's two goals. Linz fought back when Philipp Lukas reduced the lead before the end of the middle period. The 3rd period was action packed as Martin Mairitsch scored to make it 2:3 for the Eagles. With three minutes to go, John Hughes restored the two-goal lead with a powerplay tally to ensure Villach a victory in game 1.

The next games are scheduled for Tuesday, February 26th at 19:15 CET.

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