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Pustertal's Cedric Lacroix (right) cuddles with Klagenfurt's Thomas Hundertpfund. © F. Pessentheiner
Playoff start: A slap in the face for HC Pustertal
So it will be very difficult for HC Pustertal in the playoffs: The Wolves clearly lost Game 1 of the quarter-final series on Sunday against a very strong Klagenfurter AC.
March 02, 2025
From: det
With two exhilarating victories against Olimpija Ljubljana, HC Pustertal not only booked its playoff ticket a few days ago, but also triggered a huge wave of euphoria. But on Sunday, the Wolves hit the hard ground of reality. Raphael Andergassen & Co. had no chance against Klagenfurter AC in Game 1 of the quarter-final series and suffered a 0:4 defeat.
It was already clear in advance that the series against the preliminary round winners Klagenfurt would be anything but easy. But the fact that the difference on Sunday would be so big was a bit of a surprise. The HCP fought bravely in the Heidi Horten Arena, played hard, did not shy away from one-on-one duels and even hit out at them. But in terms of play, they were never able to hold a candle to the Red Jackets.
The HC Pustertal wants to bring the KAC to its knees at home. © F. Pessentheiner
Pustertal never really developed offensively and only had one clear goal-scoring opportunity in the entire game. The fact that Alex Petan had to leave the game early due to injury did not necessarily help matters. Klagenfurt barely gave the Wolves time to catch their breath and kept showing their muscles - not just with their supposed top players, but also with the cracks from the third and fourth lines. And even when KAC let up for a moment and, for example, gave the Wolves a numerical advantage, nothing came of it.
The highlights
| KAC first | After a wild start, in which numerous penalties were handed out, Klagenfurt took the lead. Obersteiner broke through and shot from close range, Pasquale was able to defuse the shot, but he had no chance against Maier's rebound (15th minute). Shortly afterwards, Brett Findlay - alone in front of Dahm - had Pustertal's best chance to equalize. |
| KAC for the second time | Just over two minutes have been played in the middle third when From curves into the Pustertal zone with a lot of power and humorlessly curls the puck into the far corner - 2:0 (23'). The Wolves hardly make an offensive appearance in this third. |
| KAC for the third time | Pustertal is disorganized in defense, and From takes advantage of this in a flash: He plays from behind the goal into the slot to Hochegger, who outdances Pasquale and scores to make it 3-0 (46'). |
| KAC to fourth place | Shortly before the end, Nick Petersen breaks through and stays cool in front of goalie Pasquale (55th). |
The good news for the HCP: They have "only" lost one game of the best-of-7 series. Now it's time to gather strength and find new courage, because Game 19.30 of the quarter-finals in Bruneck is already on Tuesday at 2:XNUMX p.m. The HCP wants to strike back then. HC Bozen, on the other hand, got off to a perfect start on Sunday, winning 4-1 at home against Villach. Meanwhile, the Graz99ers caused a stir by gaining home advantage with a 9:6 victory over Linz.
Klagenfurter AC – HC Pustertal 4:0
KAC: Dahm (Vorauer); Unterweger-Nickl, Jensen Aabo-Maier, Strong-Sablattnig, Preiml; Fraser-Hundertpfund-Petersen, Schwinger-Pastujov-Clark, Hochegger-Herburger-From, Van Ee-Obersteiner-PeetersCoach: Furey
HCP: Pasquale (Bernard); Osmanski-Bouramman, Glira-Wesley, Svedberg-Zanatta, Gios; Purdeller-Findlay-Akeson, Coulter-Frycklund-Petan, Mantinger-Andergassen-Deluca, Conci-Lacroix-Traversa, Gschliesser
Coach: Jaspers
Gates: 1:0 David Maier (14.59), 2:0 Mathias From (22.25), 3:0 Fabian Hochegger (45.58), 4:0 Nick Petersen (54.34)
Viewers: 4.392
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 1:0
The other quarter-final duels
HC Bozen – Villacher SV 4:1 (click here for the report)Gates: 1:0 Gazley (14.50), 2:0 Valentine (47.40), 3:0 Gazley (57.33), 3:1 Rauchwald (58.43), 4:1 Bradley (59.59)
Viewers: 3.512
Best of 7 series: 1:0
Salzburg - Fehervar 3:2
Gates: 1:0 Nissner (4.56), 2:0 Nissner (20.18), 2:1 Erdely (20.39), 3:1 Schneider (53.01), 3:2 Magosi (59.57)
Viewers: 2.781
Best of 7 series: 1:0
Linz - Graz 6:9
Gates: 0:1 Huber (1.25), 0:2 Hora (2.27), 1:2 Roe (2.38), 2:2 St-Amant (5.54), 2:3 Ticar (9.23), 2:4 Bailey (10.23), 3:4 Stuart (13.01), 4:4 Knott (16.26), 4:5 Roy (30.32), 4:6 Schiechl (31.25), 5:6 Collins (43.31), 5:7 Huber (44.15), 6:7 Würschl (51.13), 6:8 Bailey (52.30), 6:9 Haudum (57.57)
Viewers: 4.209
Best of 7 series: 0:1
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