The KAC was the clear number one in the regular season, but in the duel with the play-off debutants from Vorarlberg there was a major false start in front of almost 4,400 spectators in the local town hall. The team from Feldkirch took the lead after just 17 seconds through Nick Pastujov, and when they were outnumbered, league MVP Steven Owre (27th) increased the lead to 2-0 for the outsiders.
The Klagenfurt team, by far the strongest offensive team of the season so far, bit their teeth on the Vorarlberg defense and goalkeeper David Madlener, who parried all 28 shots on goal. On Tuesday (7.30 p.m.) game two will take place in the Feldkirchen Vorarlberghalle, where the KAC will play a play-off game for the first time in 21 years.
Salzburg celebrates a clear opening victory
Salzburg secured their first victory on the way to their third championship title in a row. The Linz team played on equal terms in the first third, but in the 25th minute Peter Schneider once again proved his class in his comeback after a month-long injury break.
The team striker gave the defending champions the lead when they were outnumbered and set up captain Thomas Raffl (35th) to make it 2-0. In the final third, Drake Rymsha made the final decision with a power play double within 56 seconds (48th, 49th).
There was nothing to gain for the VSV in Bolzano. The South Tyroleans were already 4-0 ahead after 30 minutes, but the Villach team ensured excitement in the finish with two goals (45th, 57th) before the home team tied the game with their fifth goal.
Win2day ICE Hockey League, quarterfinals
Matchday one:
KAC – Vorarlberg 0:2
(0:1 0:1 0:0)
Good: Pastujov (1st), Owre (27th/SH)
Penalty minutes: 26 and 18 respectively
Stand in der „Best of seven“-Serie: 0:1
Salzburg – Linz 4:0
(0:0 2:0 2:0)
Tore: Schneider (25./SH), Raffl (35.), Rymsha (48./PP, 59./PP)
Penalty minutes: 12 and 37 respectively
Stand in der „Best of seven“-Serie: 1:0
Fehervar – Pustertal 3:2 nV
(1:0 0:2 1:0 / 1:0)
Tore: Phillips (2nd), McGauly (55th), Kuralt (63rd) bzw. Sill (28th/PP), Oak (32nd/PP)
Penalty minutes: 13 and 15 respectively
Stand in der „Best of seven“-Serie: 1:0
Evil – VSV 5:2
(2:0 2:0 1:2)
Penalty minutes: 8 or 8
Tore: Mantenuto (15.), Frank (20., 29.), Miglioranzi (31.), McClure (60.) bzw. Desjardins (45.), MacPherson (57.)
Stand in der „Best of seven“-Serie: 1:0
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