In the quarterfinals

KAC and VSV seek revenge after 0:1

Dylan MacPherson and the Eagles have a lot to make up for against Bolzano.

(Bild: HCB/Vanna Antonello)

After the double whammy for KAC and VSV in the play-off opener, the Carinthians want to strike back today, Tuesday. The Eagles want to show their true colors at home against Bolzano, where they have won four games in a row. The Red Jackets must massively increase their offensive pressure - they have gone 124 minutes without a goal.

What was wrong with VSV? In game one of the quarter-final in Bolzano, Villach looked tired, anxious and lacking fire. The shot ratio after 40 minutes was 28:11 for the South Tyroleans - 4:0 in terms of goals - and not without reason. When Bolzano shifted down a gear, Villach got into gear a little better. In the end, Blau-Weiß were well served with the 2:5, because the home side also had three shots on target. "The bottom line is that it was far too little, we know that," admitted coach Marcel Rodman. "We clearly addressed that at the meeting on Monday. I was totally surprised myself, the performance was far removed from our actual identity. I am convinced that we will see a VSV with a lot of heart and power."

Maxime Golod and VSV must put Bolzano in a headlock.

(Bild: HCB/Vanna Antonello)

"We'll fight back!"
Captain Alex Rauchenwald is also nibbling at the opening defeat. "We had planned so much. We wanted to, but then we weren't ready. That's no excuse, but in recent years we've always needed a game after a break to get up to speed. With our great fans behind us, we'll fight back and make it 1:1."

Four home wins in a row
VSV have been a force at home again of late and currently have four wins in a row. They have also won both home games against Bolzano this season. Tomazevic, who was out in South Tyrol, has recently returned to training.

KAC has to solve some puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a new trend among the Red Jackets on bus trips - they are solved together or alone. Manuel Ganahl and Co. had plenty of time for this on the eight-hour trip to Vorarlberg yesterday. However, it is much more important to solve the puzzle of why the play-off start went so badly wrong with the 0:2 at home. Very little came together for the KAC. "The will was there, but the execution was far too sloppy. We made bad passes, were unusually hasty at the back - that wasn't our game," said an annoyed striker Ganahl.

The KAC cracks Schwinger, Ganahl and Bischofberger (from left) went to their home in Vorarlberg.

(Bild: f. pessentheiner)

Already two games with a goal drought
And so, for only the third time in the club's history, there was a home defeat in game one of a best-of-seven series. Ganahl: "The focus has to be on us! We lost because we played badly. But that doesn't mean we have to panic." Because they also came away empty-handed against Bolzano in the previous game, the Red Jackets (still without Herburger!) have gone 124 minutes without scoring. Against Vorarlberg, they set a season record of five shots from the slot in front of the opposing goal - which is why former KAC goalie Madlener got the shutout. Ganahl: "We can't make it too easy for him. Vorarlberg defend well - but we have to get in front of goal and work there."

KAC ace Nick Petersen and Co. have to work on Vorarlberg goalie Madlener.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Woger with end of season
Vorarlberg's mainstay Daniel Woger was injured in the season opener and is out for the rest of the season - difficult to compensate for with such a thin squad. Coach Dylan Stanley: "KAC is the best team in the league - we have to expect a fierce response. I expect another war on the ice."