Klagenfurt’s middling start to the EBEL season sees them midtable after eight rounds, as are ZSC in the National League – but the latter would have been expecting a better opening 10 rounds to their season. For tonight’s hosts, they simply must register a point to have any hope of qualifying, while the Lions can wrap up their place among the last 16 a week early with a regulation win.

“We are happy with our CHL journey so far. Despite having lost both games to Frölunda, we performed really well. As we took six points from our other opponent, Gap, we are now in a position where it comes down to the head-to-head against ZSC Lions,” said defenceman Martin Schumnig. “It’s the two games against the Swiss giant that will decide which team follows Frölunda to the knockout stage. We might be the outsiders in this battle, but we’re excited to play and challenge ZSC.”

"We expect two hard head-to-head games against Klagenfurt," said Head Coach Hans Wallson. "They've played a good CHL group stage so far, but we know that we would need a win after 60 minutes to go in the playoff round. So we will fight hard to get this win on Tuesday in Klagenfurt."