ERC Ingolstadt dropped their second straight game to the Växjö Lakers 5-2 but, thanks to their nine points, have managed to qualify for a place in the Playoffs. Meanwhile, Vítkovice Ridera secured their third win - a 4-3 OT victory over EHC Biel-Bienne - of the 2023/24 campaign but are still on the outside looking in due to winning only one in regulation with their other points coming from two OT wins and one OT loss.

Reaching the Playoffs isn’t an impossible task for a Vítkovice team that’s averaging 2.80 goals per game. Their top scorers in Dominik Lakatoš (4G, 4A), Marek Kalus (2G, 3A), and Stuart Percy (2G, 2A) continue to contribute and the Czech side’s powerplay currently ranks first with a 31.82% conversion rate. However, where Vítkovice lack is in their propensity for keeping the puck out of the net.

Currently, their starting netminder, Lukáš Klimeš, sports pedestrian numbers in GAA (3.24) and SV% (89.13%) despite having a 2-1 record. If the Czechs hope to get back to the Playoffs for the first time since their last participation in 2016/17, they’ll need to refocus their efforts in the defensize zone.

Ingolstadt haven’t fared much better in the defence department. The German club currently ranks as the ninth-worst club in goals against per game with 3.40 while only scoring an average of 2.60 goals per game. Their powerplay has also been lacking as it’s only converted two goals on 18 tries. Their top scorers in Wojciech Stachowiak, Wayne Simpson, and Maury Edwards have also been averaging under a point per game.

Yet, the Germans’ early success have paved their way to the Playoffs. If they hope to stave off the Czechs and secure their fourth victory, Ingolstadt will need more consistency on both sides of the puck. Converting on the powerplay would be a good start as their main focus now should be finishing when they get on the man advantage.