Release from 18.04.2026

Graz eyes third win on home ice

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The Moser Medical Graz99ers have put themselves in an excellent position in the Final series against HC Pustertal, taking the opening two games in convincing fashion. On Sunday (4:30 PM, live on ORF 1), the Styrians will have the chance to move one step closer to the title in front of a sold-out Merkur Eisstadion and take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, earning themselves three championship pucks.

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Despite the 5:1 result in Game 2, Pustertal delivered a strong performance for long stretches and created plenty of scoring opportunities, but lacked the necessary finishing touch. Time and again, the South Tyroleans were denied by Graz netminder Nicolas Wieser, who has stepped in brilliantly for injured starter Maxime Lagacé and is putting together an outstanding Final series. On several occasions, the pipes also stood in the way of an HCP goal.

Graz’s blueliners have been one of the biggest difference-makers so far. Up until the 4:0 mark in Game 2, all goals for the 99ers had come from defensemen – a clear sign of the scoring depth and offensive quality from the backend. Their defenders continue to make a major impact at both ends of the ice and have been a key factor in the team’s playoff success.

Another crucial element has been the compact and disciplined penalty kill of the 99ers. Pustertal went 0-for-4 on the power play in Game 2, unable to break through Graz’s well-structured defensive setup. The Styrians also controlled the faceoff circle, winning 12 more draws than their opponent and consistently giving themselves valuable puck possession.

Now on a 14-game winning streak overall and with ten consecutive playoff victories, Graz heads into Sunday’s clash full of confidence. Still, head coach Dan Lacroix remains focused on the next task ahead, stressing the importance of staying grounded and approaching every game with a “very short memory.”

History is also on Graz’s side: in the previous nine best-of-seven Final series in league history where a team took a 2-0 lead, that team went on to win the championship eight times. The only exception came in 2010, when EHC Black Wings Linz let a 2-0 series lead slip and eventually fell 2-4 to EC Red Bull Salzburg.

Sunday’s game will also provide an emotional backdrop off the ice: Manuel Ganahl will be honored for playing his 900th league game, while former player Corin Konradsheim will perform the ceremonial faceoff. In front of a packed home crowd, the Graz99ers now look to take another major step toward the championship.

win2day ICE Hockey League, 19.04.2026
19:45 Moser Medical Graz99ers – HC Falkensteiner Pustertal | LIVE auf ORF1
Referees: NIKOLIC M., ZRNIC, Muzsik, Riecken
Stand in der „Best-of-Seven”-Finalserie:
2:0