After two defeats

No panic for the 99ers: “Performances are good!”

Sports director Philipp Pinter (left) and coach Harry Lange.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Second defeat in a row, table lead lost for the time being. But anyone who believes that the alarm bells are now ringing in ice hockey Graz is very much mistaken. The team is playing well, but has not rewarded itself (in the last two games). "We're still in the process of finding our feet. Of course the points count, but at the moment I'm assessing the performance," says 99ers coach Harry Lange after the 2:3 against Bolzano. "And that's good."

What the 99ers are conjuring up on the ice is already really great. The Styrians are outstanding when playing short-handed. The only thing that could obviously be improved is the exploitation of chances.

This is also underlined by the statistics: Graz are scoring an average of three goals per game. In terms of chances, however, it could be far more. With Paul Huber (five goals), only one of Murstadt's cracks is in the top 10 scorers.

Of course, this is complaining at a high level. Especially if you still have the (sometimes subterranean) previous seasons in the back of your mind. But the team is now a different one, with a new coach, sports director and much more quality. Coach Harry Lange also has nothing but praise for his players: "The goals we conceded against Bolzano were due to individual mistakes. Apart from that, we played impeccably, created chances against the best defense in the league up to that point and also scored goals. I really like the way we play. However, we still have to rectify the small mistakes, which unfortunately are punished immediately."

I like the way we're playing. However, we still have to rectify the small mistakes, which unfortunately are also punished immediately.

99ers-Trainer Harry Lange

Analyzing mistakes
Against Bolzano, goalkeeper Jonas Gunnarsson, who has been in commanding form so far this season, was caught out twice, but didn't look good at all against the South Tyroleans when conceding the first and third goals. "Tick it off," says Lange. "We'll analyze the mistakes carefully and then look ahead again."

The next tough test awaits on Sunday away to VSV (17:30): "Villach are getting better and better. But our plan is clear. We want to pick up points there," says the 99ers coach, ready to fight.