HDD TILIA Ljubljana lost 5:2 on Tuesday in Zagreb but this result was unsurprising. The Slovenes were not able to compensate the absences of Ales Music, Justin Taylor, Brock McBright, Anze Ropret, Miha Verlic and Sergei Smirnov. Now the Dragons host EC-KAC in the last game of the regular season and it matters: with a victory they can overtake the Carinthians and move to fourth place. Ljubljana won the first meeting at Hala Tivoli 6:0. „We had a long absentee list in Zagreb but my players tried their best. Now we want to win against Klagenfurt to get an extra point for placement round. Therefore we have to create more chances again. I hope that many fans support the team because there were tough games against KAC in the past”, says head coach Hannu Järvenpää. It’s possible that one or two injured players will be available tomorrow but the final decision will be made by the doctor.

EC-KAC suffered their first derby defeat after seven consecutive victories. Although the record-holding champion fired 46 shots on Bernhard Starkbaum, they only scored two times. The Carinthians travel to Ljubljana having in mind that they were not able to achieve a single away victory in 2012. “We had enough goalscoring opportunities but were not able to use them. We want to defend the fourth place to start with one additional point into placement round. We have to do the details properly and play disciplined on the road”, explains head coach Manny Viveiros. John Lammers has recovered from concussion.

Rehearsal for Sunday?
EC REKORD-Fenster VSV broke the derby spell when Gerhard Unterluggauer converted the 22nd penalty attempt. Although Villach has won at least one time against every team of the league, the Carinthians have not qualified for the playoffs so far. But they are on course for three extra points. Marco Pewal and company need only one win over Znojmo to start the qualification round with a big advantage. If VSV wins the game they will host Znojmo on Sunday again for the first game of qualification round. “It was an important win in Klagenfurt and now we have to work hard again to keep our run of victories. Therefore we have to be disciplined and play solid hockey”. Markus Peintner is rated doubtful for tomorrow’s game.

The form curve of HC Orli Znojmo points upwards. On Sunday the Czechs celebrated their first season victory over EC-KAC in the shootout. They performed well on the road too but lost two of their last three games with a one-goal deficit. “I expect a good and quick game. We modified our system for the qualification round and so far my players have made a good job”, reports head coach Martin Stloukal. Tomas Kominek and Antonin Boruta will remain in the Czech Republic. Lubomir Vosatko is leaving Znojmo for HK Nitra.

Band of brothers for Goals galore in Linz?
Brothers Robert and Phil Lukas, Michael and Brian Lebler for EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz and Philippe newly acquired Andre Lakos for UPC Vienna Capitals battle it out on the final day of regulation. Linz’ answer to the newly acquired towering Defender is Jan-Axel Alavaara. The 36 years old Swede arrives from Skelleftea and replaces Justin Kurtz on the leaders’ roster. Alavaara’ll only join the team for Tuesdays’ game. The Capitals have also released Pat Kavanagh. Their roster will be boosted by the return of Benoit Gratton and Daniel Nageler. Justin Keller (suspended) and Pat Leahy (hand) will not play for Linz. Now, for the game itself:
Linz Headcoach Rob Daum thinks: “It’s a very important game for Vienna, since they could get either one or three bonus points. Our boys will have to be ready and the other guys will step up to fill the voids left by Justin and Pat.”
Phillipe Lakos thinks: “Andre will help stabilize our backline and has some qualities going forward, too. That’s two things we need for the game in Linz”.

Friday, 20th January 2012, 19:15
HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana – EC-KAC (217)
Live-TV: Sport TV SLO
Referees: GEBEI, Kincses, Kaspar, Nagy.
Previous matches:
23.10.2011: HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljublana – EC-KAC 6:0 (2:0, 3:0, 1:0)
16.11.2011: EC-KAC – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana 2:1 (0:0, 1:0, 1:1)
06.12.2011: EC-KAC – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana 3:4 (0:2, 2:1, 1:1)

EC REKORD-Fenster VSV – HC Orli Znojmo (229)
Referees: BERNEKER, KELLNER, Hribar, Mathis.
Previous matches:
23.10.2011: HC Orli Znojmo – EC REKORD-Fenster VSV 2:3 n. V. (0:1, 2:0, 0:1, 0:1)
16.11.2011: EC REKORD-Fenster VSV – HC Orli Znojmo 5:0 (2:0, 3:0, 0:0)
06.12.2011: HC Orli Znojmo – EC REKORD-Fenster VSV 5:1 (2:0, 3:0, 0:1)

EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz – UPC Vienna Capitals (218)
live im Internet bei LAOLA1.tv
Referees: BOGEN, FALKNER, Ettlmayr, Hollenstein.
Previous matches:
11.09.2011: UPC Vienna Capitals – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz 5:7 (3:2, 1:3, 1:2)
14.10.2011: EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz – UPC Vienna Capitals 5:3 (2:0, 1:1, 2:2)
06.12.2011: UPC Vienna Capitals – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz 2:5 (0:1, 1:1, 1:3)