Heading into this game, Kärpät Oulu haven’t quite qualified for the Round of 16, but they nearly have. Conversely, Mountfield HK haven’t quite been eliminated, but they nearly have. In order for Mountfield to remain alive for the rematch between these teams on Gameday 6, they must win this game in Oulu in regulation time. For Kärpät, just a single point in either game will be enough to see them through. Of course, they’d like to get even more points and secure top spot.

Domestically, both teams have started well. Kärpät hold top spot in the Liiga, having won eight out of 10 games, and re-enter CHL play on a six-game domestic winning streak. Meanwhile, Mountfield won seven of their first eight Extraliga games and were top spot but they lost 2-1 in Litvínov on Sunday and are now tied in points with that team. 

In Finnish Liiga play, Mika Pyörälä has 10 points to lead Kärpät, while Slovak Michal Krištof is the team’s LGT Top Scorer in the CHL with seven points. Meanwhile, Mountfield’s Top Scorer in the CHL is Tomáš Vincour with four points and defenceman Petr Zámorský leads the way for the team in the Czech Extraliga with seven.