- Klagenfurt need a full 60-minute effort
- Zurich's mix of offence and defence should suffice
- Third meeting between the two clubs
KAC Klagenfurt shocked the reigning Champions Hockey League Champions as they took down Genève-Servette 3-2 in OT to gain some ground in the standings. Meanwhile, ZSC Lions Zurich experienced their own nail-biting finish, overcoming the Sheffield Steelers 2-1 in the shootout.
With their fourth consecutive qualification for the Round of 16 already guaranteed, the Swiss should simply be looking to maintain the brilliant mix of offence and defence that has helped them secure four out of five victories so far this Regular Season.
As one of the top teams in goals against per game with 1.80, Zurich have been able to find ways to win even when they're team doesn't find the scoring sheet as was the case in their match-up against Sheffield. Having that security on the backend has been a godsend for the Swiss who are currently in the middle of the pack when it comes to scoring, as they've managed 3.00 goals for per game.
Klagenfurt's game against Genève was an indication of what the ICE club is capable of. A lack of sustained effort, however, has the Austrians on the outside of the Playoff picture, and saving some kind of miracle, a lost cause to advance. But a win could certainly help their chances as they're two points out of 16th place.
For this to happen, Klagenfurt will need to put together a full 60-minute effort. A couple of times this season they've been guilty of taking their foot off the gas and letting the game slip away - the best example of this was in their 5-4 loss to Polish side Unia Oświęcim. Having their legs going early and sustaining the pace will be key to Klagenfurt's success.