Only 3:2 in front

After rebuff, the Stars are challenged at the KAC

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Daniel Goetzhaber)

The Red Jackets only lead 3:2 in the quarter-finals against the Vorarlberg team and now need a third away win to advance. In the quarter-final series, 1-0 is already half the battle. .

Now it's getting tough for the Red Jackets! Instead of ending the series at home, the next tough away match awaits today in Vorarlberg. And nobody in Klagenfurt is really keen on a decisive seventh duel on home ice. That's why they have to win the third duel in Feldkirch as well.

Stars not yet a factor in the series
The KAC's stars are now also in demand. Because so far the imports, who have been terrific in the basic round, have not been a real factor in the quarter-final series.

• Paul Postma (no goal, one assist, minus three in the plus/minus balance): Still the defenseman with the second-most points in the basic round, currently it hasn't rung at all despite 17 shots.

Paul Postma has yet to show up in the quarterfinals.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

• Nick Petersen (no goal, one assist, minus two): Only six shots on goal in the entire series, looks absent at times.
• Matt Fraser (one goal, no assists, minus five): The internal top scorer (with Bischofberger) has to start on line three after his suspension, hangs in the air there.

Matt Fraser (below) hangs in the air on the third line.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Daniel Goetzhaber)

• Jan Mursak (one goal, two assists, minus three): Three scoring points in a 7-0 win, that's it. The center and leader tries hard, but can do more.

Fraser himself sees massive potential for improvement: "We're difference players, we have to be at our best now. Above all, we need to do more in the power play." The Red Jackets missed eight opportunities in their home game and frustrated themselves in the process.

Lead extremely important
The 1:0 will be important again! Because so far in the series, the team that has taken the lead has always won. Fraser: "If Vorarlberg are ahead, they can stonewall and counter-attack even more. But we have enough confidence and experience in the dressing room - we want to end the series!" Note: The home side's wrecking ball Spannring is back from suspension.