HC05 Banská Bystrica host HC Ambrì-Piotta in a clash of two teams chasing the pack in Group G and at least one of these teams will be eliminated by day’s end – possibly both will. In short, it’s must-win for both teams, preferably in regulation time.

With three points from their first four games, Banská Bystrica are in the more desperate situation of the two. They must win their remaining two games while at the same time hope Färjestad Karlstad are held pointless in their last two. It’s a tall order, but if it’s to happen, they must win this game outright. Finn Joona Jääskeläinen leads the team with three CHL points and his 13 Liiga points are second to Jordan Hickmott’s 15. Tyler Beskorowany has done everything in goal for them, playing all but one game in both competitions. Domestically, they are tied for first in the Slovak Extraliga with HC Košice.

Ambrì-Piotta have a bit more breathing room but not much, with four points. They probably need to win both remaining games in regulation time to have a chance of advancing, although they’ll also need some help. Unfortunately, their domestic season hasn’t gone so well either, with the team sitting second-last in the Swiss National League with only three wins in their first 10 games. Marco Müller’s three points top the team in the CHL and Michael Fora has nine National League points. The team has floundered with goaltender Benjamin Conz still sidelined with a hip injury, with Daniel Manzato and Dominík Hrachovina trying to fill the gap.