Anton Bernard: "The finals are spectacular ice hockey"

A remarkable pattern has emerged in the previous games: the team that falls behind first comes back and wins. In the third final, the KAC initially trailed 0:2, but turned the game in its favor. In the fourth final, the fans experienced the exact opposite as Salzburg turned a 0:2 deficit into a win. Bernard explains: "Both teams are doing everything they can to put their stamp on the series. They are desperate to win the title. When you're behind, you want it all the more. The two best teams of the season are playing against each other, so it's an open exchange of blows and spectacular ice hockey."

"It needs guys who make a 'step-up'"
Another interesting development is the role of players who are not normally among the absolute goal getters for their teams. Players like Peter Hochkofler, Philipp Sinn, Ryan Murphy and David Maier, who don't normally play a leading role in the scoring charts, scored important goals in the fourth final game. Bernard emphasizes the importance of these players: "These cracks have a fundamental role in this series. The balance in a team is extremely important. It's essential that everyone makes their contribution. If the top guys aren't performing, you need guys who can step up and decide the game. There are a lot of those guys in this series."

"Final 5 will be a whole new game"
Looking ahead to the fifth game of the best-of-seven series, Bernard does not expect Salzburg to have an advantage despite any momentum from the recent overtime win: "You've seen in this series how quickly the momentum can change. Game 5 will be a whole new game. I don't think EC Red Bull Salzburg has an advantage because of the overtime win. I see it as even." He also predicts a stronger defense from both teams and more motivated goalkeepers who will want to improve their statistics after the high-scoring fourth game.

"I still see the KAC as slight title favorites"
Finally, Bernard gives a cautious tip as to who could win the series. Despite the unpredictability of the games and the strong performances of both teams, he sees the KAC as the slight favorite: "It's totally difficult to make a prediction in this series. But I still see the KAC as the slight favorite."

The fifth clash will be broadcast on PULS 24 and Joyn from 17:05.