This Group F clash features two teams who had vastly different fortunes on Gameday 1. Adler Mannheim recorded what could be classed as a shock – maybe not the result, but the manner in which they dismantled Austrian powerhouse Vienna Capitals. On the other hand, GKS Tychy took the lead against highly fancied opposition, but young star Alexander Holtz was the star for Djurgården.

If Tychy can stay out of the penalty box, they just might have a chance against Adler Mannheim. Djurgården had nine opportunities on the man advantage on Friday and converted on 5 of them. Denis Akimoto had initially given the hosts the lead to the delight of the packed house in Poland, but the tide quickly turned as Djurgården eventually made the difference. Fans were also happy to see a young rising Polish star, Bartlomiej JeziorskI, find the back of the net in the third period.

On the other hand, Adler Mannheim really issued a statement of intent in Vienna. The German side scored three times in the first period against the Capitals and looked in cruise control for the rest of the game. Lean Bergmann was the star of the show for Mannheim, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist, whilst young 2020 NHL Draft prospect Tim Stützle let it be known why he’s likely to be drafted in the first round after scoring 2 points (1 goal and 1 assist) in his CHL debut. All in all, the home fans will be hoping for more discipline and a bounce-back performance, whilst Adler will be looking to get a stranglehold on Group F.