Release from 29.02.2024

Pustertal clinches last quarter-final spot

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The HC Pustertal won the decisive pre-playoff game against HK SZ Olimpija 4:3 after overtime on Thursday and was the last team to qualify for the win2day ICE Hockey League quarter-finals 2024.

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In the decisive game for a place in the quarter-finals, Pustertal and Ljubljana played out an open exchange of blows right from the start. The home side were dangerous in the first powerplay, but failed to score. Olimpija survived this phase and took the lead in the sixth minute: Maris Bicevskis deflected a Pance shot decisively. Pustertal immediately tried to find an answer, but HKO goalie Horak made an excellent save. At the other end, Trevor Gooch hit the bar after a great individual move. In the twelfth minute, the Wolves turned the game in their favour with two goals within 39 seconds. First, Daniel Catenacci deflected for the equaliser - his fourth goal of the pre-playoffs - and then Matthias Mantinger scored a highlight-reel goal. The forward beat Horak "between the legs". The cheers in the Intercable Arena died down two minutes later, however, when Marcel Mahkovec finished off a 2-on-1 counter-attack to equalise.

After the restart, Bine Masic had the first great chance, but was unable to put the puck in the net. Things got turbulent again after just under five minutes. While Akeson missed a good opportunity for the home side, Aleksandar Magovac put Olimpija back in front with his first goal of the season. The visitors were the more active team from then on and also managed to get a few shots on target. In the final seconds of the middle period, things got dicey in front of the Ljubljana goal once again, but after 40 minutes the "Dragons" still had a one-goal lead.

Right at the start of the third period, Mahkovec missed a great chance to take a two-goal lead for the first time. Shortly afterwards, Mikael Frycklund equalised with a solo effort, his shot going into the goal via the inside of the post. After that, both teams continued to try their luck on the offensive - with the home side having a slight advantage. However, no further goals were to be scored in regulation. Olimpija made the first moves in overtime, but Pustertal took control as the extra time progressed. The game mainly took place in the visitors' third. After Bruneck failed to capitalise on the first powerplay, Rick Schofield decided the game in the 75th minute during another PP situation.

win2day ICE Hockey League | Pre-Playoff 3:
Thu, 29.02.2024: HC Pustertal - HK SZ Olimpija 4:3 OT (2:2, 1:0, 0:1)
Referees: NIKOLIC M., OFNER, Nothegger, Zgonc.
Goals Pustertal: Catenacci (12.), Mantinger (12.), Frycklund (43.), Schofield (75./PP)
Goals Ljubljana: Bicevskis (6.), Mahkovec (14.), Magovac (26.)
Final score in the "best-of-3" series: 2:1

Photo: Foppa Iwan - HC Pustertal