Heading into the final set of Regular Season games of the 2024/25 season, Red Bull Salzburg are already qualified for the upcoming Playoffs of the Champions Hockey League and even stand a chance of claiming the crown of Regular Season Winners with a win against Sparta Prague.
On the flip side, it's all or nothing for the visiting Czechs who need points, most likely a win, to make their place in the knockout rounds official. With two ambitious teams both chasing results, who will skate away with the win?
- Salzburg already qualified for Playoffs but on the hunt for points to win Regular Season
- Sparta Prague need to win to keep Playoffs hopes alive
- First-time face-off between these two clubs in CHL
Salzburg have been bulldozing their way past opponents this season. Since losing their opening game of the season at home against Skellefteå AIK 3-4, the Austrians have won four in a row, including taking three out of their five challengers by two or more goals.
Five players have been performing above the magical point-per-game mark, with Peter Schneider leading the team with eight points (4G, 4A) in five games. David Kickert has been spectacular in net, suiting up for three ties and taking wins from all of them. Atte Tolvanen has played in two games this season and given their rotation could likely line up for Salzburg's final game of the Regular Season. The Austrians will be in good hands regardless, as the Finn, who's playing in his fifth CHL season, has made nearly 50 saves in the two games he's manned the net.
Salzburg have been executing on special teams with their PK ranked third in the league at 88.00%, while their powerplay conversion rate stands at 29.63%, good enough for a place in the top four. They've been strong up front with consistent scoring while backing that up with strong defence and reliable goaltending. Will this be enough to hold Sparta back?
“I believe Salzburg have high goals in the CHL. We will have to give a very good and disciplined performance.”Pavel Gross, Sparta Prague Head Coach
Playoff hopefuls Sparta enter this game off the back of success on home ice where they denied a strong Pinguins Bremerhaven side the chance to secure a place in the Top 16. The Czechs manufactured a full 60-minute effort that began with a three-goal first period and ended with a fourth tally by Aaron Irving early in the third to cap a convincing win.
The Czechs know it's all or nothing against Salzburg and are ready to give it their all which is something veteran forward Michal Řepík highlighted after last week's game: "We've struggled in the CHL this season with bad results, but we're not a club that want to drop out of the Regular Season. We're going to give it our all against Salzburg."
Despite last week's win, Sparta have only won two of their five games this season, suffering losses to Tappara Tampere, the Sheffield Steelers and Eisbären Berlin across the September games. If they are to make the Playoffs with a convincing win against Salzburg (who they have never faced in the CHL before), they'll have to up their scoring output where they rank as one of the least-scoring teams in the CHL and limit chances against (their negative goal difference is leagues away from Salzburg's +8).
“I look forward to welcoming Sparta Prague and battling with them on this stage. We know we are in for one heck of a game!"Oliver David, Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach
All in all, having such solid numbers certainly gives the Austrians an edge in their upcoming match-up, but counting out a team which is currently backed into a corner could be a big mistake for Salzburg.
The Czechs are itching to keep their season going, so the hosts will need to have their legs going early. Three out of their five match-ups saw Salzburg give up the first goal, so preventing Sparta from having any chance early will be key.
Don't miss this action-packed game on Tuesday, 15 October at 20:20 CEST!