The reverse matchup in which should ultimately decide runners up to Bern in this group, Kosice travel to Linz knowing that only a win will do.

The reverse match-up in which should ultimately decide runners up to Bern in this group, Kosice travel to Linz knowing that only a win will do. Any win for the Black Wings – either in regulation or extra time – will guarantee they make the Round of 32 for the first time; for the Slovaks it's simply a case of must win, and while an OT or SO win would mean they stay alive for now, they would then be reliant on beating Bern away to have any chance of making the next round. The best outcome for Kosice would be a win by two or more goals, which would win them the tie-breaker against Linz, should they need it.

"Nothing less than our best will be enough tonight," said Linz netminder Mike Ouzas, who was ultimately their match winner in Kosice. "We have to build on our performance there and go again. In this game we have to show that we can step up a level again."

"Nothing is lost for us at this stage of the group. We are travelling to Linz to do all we can to win the game," said Kosice forward Jakub Suja, while captain Ladislav Nagy added, "We were clearly the better team in the first game against Linz, but unfortunately, hockey can be cruel sometimes."