Eisbären Berlin host Sparta Prague in a game between two teams that are above the Champions Hockey League’s Playoff cut-off line, but barely. A win for either, particularly in regulation time, would greatly improve their outlook with two games left, while a loss could leave them with tough work ahead.

After splitting their first two games on the road, Eisbären did themselves a huge favour by taking down previously unbeaten Dynamo Pardubice in a shootout on Friday. That gives them five points – two above the Playoff cut-off after three games – and they now look to sweep their two-game homestand against Czech teams.

Eisbären’s top two scorers are both defencemen, with Kai Wissmann and Oliver Galipeau recording three points each – all assists. Forward Lean Bergmann leads the team with two goals and 11 shots, while Wissman leads the entire CHL in ice-time per game at 28:11 minutes on average. Interestingly, Berlin is one of just two teams left that have neither scored nor surrendered a powerplay goal.

After taking four of six points in their opening two games at home, Sparta lost 5-1 in their first away game against the Sheffield Steelers although the score was not indicative of the play, with Sparta outshooting their opponents 46-23. That leaves them with four points, which is above the Playoff cut-off after three games but it probably won’t be after four, so taking points in Berlin will be crucial.

Sparta are led offensively by three players with three points each – Filip Chlapík, Tomáš Hyka and Michal Řepík. Chlapík and Hyka each have two goals, and Chlapík is also the team’s leader with six blocked shots. The trio have done a fair bit of their damage on the powerplay, where Sparta rank 10th at 21.43%. Their PK is tied for 15th at 75.00%.