Release from 05.03.2026

Pre-Playoffs continue on Friday

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The second games of the best-of-3 Pre-Playoff series in the win2day ICE Hockey League will take place on Friday. Both EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV and the Vienna Capitals have their first chance to qualify for the quarterfinals.

If both Pre-Playoff matchups are decided on Friday evening, the Playoff Pick will take place immediately afterward. The quarterfinal pairings will be announced promptly on the league’s channels.

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In an exciting Pre-Playoff opener, EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV narrowly defeated the Steinbach Black Wings Linz 2–1 in overtime. Kevin Hancock was the match-winner with a spectacular goal in the 75th minute. Earlier, the forward had already scored the 1–1 equalizer. If VSV wins in Linz on Friday, it would mark their sixth consecutive quarterfinal appearance. Of the two previous meetings in Linz, the Carinthians won one decisively (8–3), while they suffered a clear defeat in the other (0–3).

Capitals with away game in Fehérvár
The Vienna Capitals celebrated a convincing 5–1 victory in their opener and have the chance for revenge on Friday at Hydro Fehérvár AV19 for last year’s Pre-Playoff defeat against the Hungarians. At that time, Fehérvár prevailed with 2–1 wins. For the Capitals, this would be their first quarterfinal appearance since 2023, following two missed qualifications. This season, they have won one of their two away games in Székesfehérvár (6–3) and lost the other (1–2).

win2day ICE Hockey League:
Fri, 06.03.2026:
19:15 Uhr: Steinbach Black Wings Linz – EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Referees: FICHTNER, STERNAT, Nothegger, Riecken

19:15 Uhr: Hydro Fehérvár AV19 – Vienna Capitals
Referees: SMETANA, ZRNIC, Durmis, Konc

Watch both games live on Sporteurope.tv.