The Straubing Tigers had the best possible start to their opening game, shutting out Comarch Cracovia 4-0, but the high was short-lived. Swedish rivals Färjestad Karlstad took the wind out of their sails in the following game, overpowering the visiting side 6-1. 

So far, Canadian forward Taylor Leier has been stellar for the German side with four points (2G, 2A) over two games. Teammate Travis St. Denis has also contributed with three points (1G, 2A), while American netminder Hunter Miska has clocked all 120 minutes between the pipes for Straubing, having conceded six goals, for a save percentage of 90.48.

Straubing and Cracovia are currently equal, with three points apiece in Group F, which makes this match-up that much more exciting. 

For Cracovia, going down 4-0 in their season opener was no doubt a disappointing moment, but the Polish side rebounded with a solid 4-2 win over Austrian side Villach SV. Forwards Martin Kasperlík and Roman Rác are leading the offensive tally with two points each.

Much like Miska, Cracovia's netinder Rok Stojanovic has been relied on solely for goaltending responsibilities. The Slovenian has played all 120 minutes thus far, has similarly conceded six goals, and holds a save percentage of 90.77.

With their initial match up falling in favour of Straubing, Cracovia will be looking to upset the German side, and to do that they'll need to ramp up their scoring prowess. Can Straubing shut the Poles out once more, or will the visitors be able to bring home their first win on the road?