Wednesday’s final seven encounters for Game Day 5 have some exciting encounters coming up, and we could see the first team win its group!

by Luke Fisher

Group A

Bílí Tygři Liberec vs. Kölner Haie

Both of these sides know that today’s game is a must-win affair if they want to keep up tight to Oulu above them. A win for Köln will guarantee them at least the runners-up spot in Group A, while a win for the home team will move them up into second. Slightly worrying for Liberec is that they’ve only recorded one home win in three Czech Extraliga games so far this season, and are 1-for-2 at home in the CHL.

Recent domestic form:
Liberec: LLWWL
Köln: LLWW

Kärpät Oulu vs. HC Košice

A win for Kärpät Oulu will keep them top of Group A, and if Liberec managed a win it will put Oulu in a commanding positioning going into the final group games. Košice are all but out of the CHL, although mathematically they could still make the next round if they win both of their remaining games, and other results go in their favour. A win for Köln will eliminate them from the competition. The visitors haven’t lost an away game in Slovakia in regulation yet this season, but have yet to pick up any points on the road in the CHL.

Recent domestic form:
Kärpät: WWLLW
Košice: WWWLW

Group C

Frölunda Gothenburg vs. Briançon Diables Rouges

A win for Frölunda will put them back on top of Group C, after Geneve overtook them last night, and will also eliminate Villach from the race for the next round – thus guaranteeing Fröluunda and Geneve as the top two. Les Diables Rouges are already out of the running for round two, but will be looking to get themselves a first CHL point. It may be a tough ask, however, as their own domestic form has seen them winless on the road so far.

Recent domestic form:
Frölunda: WWLW
Briançon: LLLWL

Group F

TPS Turku vs. Linköping HC

If Linköping HC can take a victory here in regulation, they’ll guarantee top spot for themselves in Group F – but with no road wins yet in the SHL, they’ll need to hope their unbeaten away record in the CHL holds up. TPS need a win tonight to keep the race for first place going, and will eliminate Bolzano if they manage a win. Two home wins from three in the Liiga, and being unbeaten on home ice in the CHL, will put them in confident mood.

Recent domestic form:
TPS: LLWWL
Linköping: LWLWL

Group G

Växjö Lakers vs. KalPa Kuopio

After Mannheim beat Prague in overtime last night, Group G is wide open and both sides will know that a win tonight could move them a step closer to making the next round. The Lakers’ home record hasn’t been great domestically, and they have one win from two in the CHL going in to tonight’s game. KalPa on the other hand have only lost one away game so far in the Liiga, and are .500 in the CHL on the road. They’ll go to of the group with a win.

Recent domestic form:
Växjö: WLWLW
KalPa: WWWLW

Group J

Krefeld Pinguine vs. SønderjyskE Vojens

Neither of these sides can make the last round, however there’s pride at stake to avoid coming last. Krefeld currently sit with zero points, and will be desperate to eradicate that from the record books, despite losing three of their last four DEL games. Sønderjyske on the other hand have a point to their name, but lost their last two CHL road games by a total of 16-2. Whoever loses tonight will stay last in the table, while a win for the visitors will condemn Krefeld to finishing last.
Recent domestic form:

Krefeld: LWLL
SønderjyskE: DWW

Skellefteå AIK vs. IFK Helsinki

The battle for the automatic qualifying place from Group J could be decided tonight with a win for Skellefteå AIK in regulation time. If not, it will go down to the wire in a fortnight’s time. HIFK know a win will put them in the driving seat, and will take heart from the fact that they’ve not suffered a regulation loss in the Liiga so far this season, and have four wins from five played. AIK are averaging less than a goal per game against, so will want to keep it tight at the back again tonight.

Recent domestic form:
Skellefteå: LWWW
IFK Helsinki: WWWLW