Ice Hockey

Bulls make it 3:1 in the quarterfinals against Linz

Salzburg rejoices.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Champions Red Bull Salzburg and basic round winners KAC are on the verge of reaching the semi-finals of the ICE Ice Hockey League. The "Bulls" fought their way to a 3-2 win at the Black Wings Linz on Saturday and also cut the score to 3-1 in the quarter-finals in the best-of-seven series, as did the KAC, who won 3-1 at the Pioneers in Vorarlberg. VSV, meanwhile, reduced the deficit to 1:3 in the series thanks to a convincing 6:1 home win against South Tyrol.

Pustertal had already drawn level at 2:2 on Friday with a 2:1 win against Fehervar. The fifth games in all four series are scheduled for Monday. Salzburg, the KAC and South Tyrol will be in the top four if they win.

Salzburg, who were still without injured top forward Peter Schneider, got off to a lightning start in the Linz Ice Arena. Lucas Thaler put the puck in the net after just eight seconds. The Black Wings recovered quickly and equalized through Emilio Romig (2nd). After the turbulent start, two powerplay goals from Chay Genoway (7th) and Drake Rymsha (27th) gave the "Bulls" an important away win. Graham Knott's goal (21st) was not enough for the evenly matched Linz team, also because they failed to capitalize on two overtime opportunities in the final period.

The KAC landed their third win in a row after the opening defeat against the Pioneers. Both the Carinthians and the Vorarlbergers scored a goal while shorthanded in the first period, while Matthew Fraser also scored for the Red Jackets on the power play. After a goalless middle period, Johannes Bischofberger (42) secured the win for the record champions.

VSV shortens the gap with a resounding win against South Tyrol
With their backs to the wall, the understrength VSV put in a convincing performance in their home game against South Tyrol. John Hughes and Blaz Tomazevic both scored twice in the runaway victory, with Kevin Hancock and Alexander Rauchenwald scoring the other goals for Villach. The first win in the series sparked new hope for the Carinthians. However, only the Black Wings Linz have ever turned around a 3-0 series deficit, in the 2010 play-offs against the Vienna Capitals.

Results of the ICE Hockey League quarter-finals on Saturday (best of seven/4th game):

Black Wings Linz-Red Bull Salzburg 2:3 (1:2,1:1,0:0). Standings in the series: 1:3.

EC VSV-HCB Südtirol Alperia 6:1 (2:1,2:0,2:0). Score: 1:3.

Pioneers Vorarlberg-KAC 1:3 (1:2,0:0,0:1). Score: 1:3.

Game program of the 5th games on Monday:

Salzburg-Linz (19.15), KAC-Vorarlberg (19.15), Fehervar-Pustertal (19.15), South Tyrol-VSV (19.45)