- Aalborg are still looking for first regulation win in Group A
- Both sides will try to respond from Game Day 4 losses
- Frölunda will be wary of the visitors' away form
Both sides find themselves in the bottom half of their Group before this fixture with very little to separate them from the top. Aalborg have made a substantial impact in their first Champions Hockey League season, forcing their first two games into OT against the competitions veterans in Zurich and Vienna. If they weren’t dangerous enough already then factor in the consequence of a loss, which would eliminate them from qualification, and you have a do or die mentality for the home side to contend with.
The Indians have proved that they can bounce back from a loss this season, which is what they’ll have to do again if they are to achieve the top spot in the Group; a feat they’ve never failed to attain in the history of the tournament. A fast start for either side could be crucial in this matchup especially for the visitors, who will try and take advantage of the Swedish sides inability to score in the first period thus far.
One man who could have a huge say on this game is Pirates forward Thomas Spelling. The four-time Danish champion already has 18 points from 9 games in his domestic league and has been pivotal for his side in the tournament. His two assists on Game Day 1 were cancelled out by a Zurich late show which only served as a catalyst for the next fixture when he took matters into his own hands, scoring the OT winner against Vienna after his side gave up a lead once again. If he continues his form, then Frölunda will certainly have their hands full.