HDD TILIA Olimpja Ljubljana failed to score a goal in their two games of the intermediate stage. “it’s simple” says Headcoach Hannu Järvenpää: „if you don’t score goals, you don’t win games. We need to make more out of the chances that we create.” The last eight games between the two teams went the Bears’ way. To take their minds of the recent slump, Järvenpää ordered a day-off on Wednesday. “We need to play compact defence and get the puck to the net. Robert Kristan is always very motivated when he plays in his native Slovenia. The boys have shown they can score seven goals in one match and I trust them completely. We want to get into the top-four and that means we have to win our home games. We miss Ales Music and Anze Ropret but that means that other players can step up and use the ice team to show what they’re made off.”
The man to watch for this match surely is Ryan Kinasewich. He has twelve goals from ten games against Olimpija. Headcoach Marty Raymond enjoys is performances: „he’s a very important player. At times, he explodes and that seems to happen a lot against Ljubljana. Sometimes, this just happens. We have a lot of confidence and our mental strength enabled us to get back into the game at Klagenfurt. The guys are very focused. There will be a lot of travelling support and a great Atmosphere at the Tivoli.” Slava Trukhno remains sidelined, a comeback date is scheduled for February. “We want to play top hockey and go into the Play-Offs on a winning streak”, is what Raymond plans for the near future.

SAPA Fehervar host KAC
Following their rout of historical dimensions at the Volksgarten (7:1, first win ever in Salzburg), SAPA Fehervar now face EC-KAC. A difficult game, says Assistant Coach Lajos Enekes: Following a win like that, you want to live up to expectations. We’ve had two good games against KAC at home and want to continue where we left off. We need to work hard and be very efficient in front of the net.” Balint Magosi is rated doubtful and the coaching staff will decide on the starting goalie on game day.
EC-KAC have lost their last game, meaning they need road points now. Joe Reichel expects “a very tough game, the Hungarians are very strong at home. We need to stick to our game plan to get points from there. They will have a word in about the title for the first time this season and we just cannot underestimate a team like that.” Reichel labels new signing Andrei Zyuzin an “open, funny type. He was integrated very quickly. And boy can he skate.” KAC still has some players sidelined.

Linz host Salzburg
Leaders EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz have back to back shutouts in their first two intermediate stage games, thanks to a play-off-like Alex Westlundd, still easily one of the best goalies in the league. His compatriot Danny Irmen, who’s second for goal in the leagues says: “he’s in great form already. But it’s the whole team that’s doing well.” 24-goals-Irmen expects “ a very physical game. We need to bring our A-game. They‘re the reigning Champions.” Pat Leahy (hand) remains out, but Linz receive a boost by the return of Justin Keller from suspension.
EC Red Bull Salzburgs Captaim Matt Trattnig has a nothing-to-lose-approach to the clash: „We’ve not beaten Linz once this season and we’re on a cold streak. We need to get out of those dire straits. We need to give 100 per cent and once we’ve found a spark, we’re in with a chance to win.
EC Red Bull Salzburg are without Goalie Josh Tordjman, Jeremy Williams, Alexander Pallestrang and Rob Davison. Markus Schlacher is back in against his former club.

Friday, January 27^th, 2012, 19:15,

Sport TV SLO live.
HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana – KHL Medvescak Zagreb (232)
Referees: FALKNER, GRABER, Hofer, Smeibidlo.
Previous matches:
30.09.2011: KHL Medvescak Zagreb - HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana 2:3 n. V.(2:2,0:0,0:0,0:1)
18.11.2011: HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana – KHL Medvescak Zagreb 1:2 (0:1,1:1,0:0)
09.12.2011: HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana – KHL Medvescak Zagreb 3:5 (2:2,1:1,0:2)
17.01.2012: KHL Medvescak Zagreb – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana 5:2 (0:0,3:1,2:1)

SAPA Fehervar AV19 – EC-KAC (233)
Referees: DREMELJ, TRILAR, Hribar, Rakovic
Previous matches:
25.09.2011: EC-KAC – SAPA Fehervar AV19 2:1 (0:0, 0:1, 2:0)
06.11.2011: SAPA Fehervar AV19 – EC-KAC 5:2 (1:0, 2:2, 2:0)
27.11.2011: SAPA Fehervar AV19 – EC-KAC 3:1 (2:0, 0:0, 1:1)
03.01.2012: EC-KAC – SAPA Fehervar AV19 4:3 n. V. (2:1, 0:1, 1:1, 1:0)

EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg (231)
Referees: KELLNER, VEIT, Ettlmayr, Hollenstein.
Previous matches:
02.10.2011: EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg 6:4 (4:2, 0:1, 2:1)
30.10.2011: EC Red Bull Salzburg – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz 3:5 (1:2, 2:1, 0:2)
20.12.2011: EC Red Bull Salzburg – EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz 2:5 (1:2, 1:1, 0:2)
15.01.2012: EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg 4:3 (1:1, 2:0, 1:2)