HC Innsbruck have faced both ups and downs over their last five Game Days of the Champions Hockey League Regular Season, but the Austrian side who are in their first season of the pan-European competition have done something many don’t, which is qualify for Playoffs. 

Despite two sizable defeats at the hands of Red Bull Munich (9-2), and EHC Biel-Bienne (6-1), three wins in regulation have given the team from the Alps 9 points in total. Their upcoming game against Skellefteå AIK represents an exciting challenge for Innsbruck who haven’t faced any Swedish teams to date. 

Head Coach Mitch O’Keefe knows what’s needed from his bench: “We will need to have a good start at home and play with tenacity for 60 minutes. If we can slow them down in the neutral zone and play very well in our zone we have a chance for points.” 

Innsbruck will be looking to the likes of 28-year-old American forward Corey Mackin who has been outstanding in netting eight points (5G+3A) over five outings for his side, while North American teammates Braeden Shaw and Gordon Green are close behind with seven points apiece. Leading the league with 170 saves, Canadian netminder Evan Buitenhuis has been the go-to backstop for the Austrians, posting an 88.54% save average. 

Much like their rivals, Skellefteå have also punched out a 3-2 win-loss record, giving them nine points in their Regular Season tally so far, and a ticket to the Playoffs. Linus Lindstrom and Pär Lindholm have been working the offensive magic, potting five points over their respective appearances. Sporting a healthy 92.86% save average, David Rautio has clocked the bulk of Skellefteå’s minutes in the crease and currently ranks twelfth among CHL goalkeepers.   

Statistically speaking, there isn’t a lot separating these two teams: goals scored, face-off wins, and penalty kill are relatively on par. While Skellefteå are slightly better on face-offs, Innsbruck have performed a tad better on powerplay efficiency. Goal Difference (GD) however is where the experience of the Swedes and roster depth shows. While they haven’t been prolific scorers, defensively Skellefteå runs a tight ship, having allowed just 9 goals (+5 GD) compared to Innsbruck’s 22 (-6 GD ). 

Will the home ice advantage at the TIWAG Arena help Innsbruck secure a win at home, or will the nine-time CHL qualifiers be too much for the newcomers to handle?