Release from 20.03.2017

Caps aim to fix the finals, KAC tackles for tie

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In the fourth game of the semifinals the UPC Vienna Capitals have the chance to head into the final as first team in history of Erste Bank Eishockey Liga with losing no game in quarterfinals or semifinals. The EC-KAC aims to tie the series after already trailing 0:2, just how they did it in quarterfinals last year against Salzburg.

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Capitals wollen als erstes Team Finaleinzug fixieren
The Caps captured three gamepucks to decide the semifinal series against HCB Südtirol Alperia. Jonathan Ferland has big plans already for the first decisive game. “The clear goal is to reach the finals, but the last win is the toughest.” The Caps would be the first team in history of Erste Bank Eishockey Liga, who rech the final after two sweeps. But is still a long way to go and they know from their own experience, that you are not allowed to rest on his laurel after a 3:0 lead. In 2009/10 they also had a 3:0 lead against Linz, but didn’t manage to convert a single gamepuck of the four. Marcel Melichercik of the Foxes knows, that the third game could have been also won by the Italians. “It was a game on an equal level. It is hard to say, that one team played better than the other. It will be tough know, but we will not give up. They have to win one more game, so still everything is possible” Also Headcoach Tom Pokel is proud of his team, despite trailing by 0:3. “The team is fighting and playing with a lot of heart. We don’t have anything to lose. Two of our import players are not able to play, still we are producing our best performance. We think from game to game. Now we just have to win the next game.” Currently Riley Holzapfel is on fire. He is not only the topscorer in playoffs, he also scored at every game in this series (1 g, 3 a).
 
KAC aims to tie series
The KAC narrowed the gap to Salzburg with a high-quality performance to 1:2. Mike Pellegrims was very happy, but is already focusing on Tuesday. “We played our KAC-Eishockey again and fought for every centimeter. But no matter if you’re winning or losing, in playoffs you have to get the game out of the head as soon as it is over and focus on the next one.” A similar mindset has also Greg Poss “We are not allowed to be annoyed because of the defeat, we have to focus on the next day.” The EC Red Bull Salzburg aims to strike back after the close defeat on Sunday. “we have to restructure a bit and bring the energy on the ice. Greg Poss adds. Despite the loss, at least one thing worked out better, after 20 power plays without success, they succeeded with two goals in numerous advantage on Sunday. Th EC-KAC proofed already last season, that they are able to turn a series after trailing by 0:2 against Salzburg. In the quarterfinals they even managed to take the lead, but lost the decisive game. In very good shape is currently Stefan Geier, who not only scored the decisive goal, but is the most successful scorer in playoffs of these two teams.
 
Erste Bank Eishockey Liga, 4th game semifinal
21.03.17: HCB Südtirol Alperia (6) – UPC Vienna Capitals (1) I 19:45 Uhr, Sky live 
Referees: K. NIKOLIC / SMETANA / Nemeth / Seewald

21.03.17: EC-KAC (3) - EC Red Bull Salzburg (2) I 19:45 Uhr, ServusTV live 
Referees: LEMELIN / PIRAGIC / Nothegger / Zgonc