- Nitra need to tweak defensive strategy
- Rögle have the chance to make it four wins in a row
- Nitra in the race to qualify for Playoffs
As these clubs enter their Game Day 6 feature, HK Nitra is coming off their third loss of the season with a 6-1 toppling by Fribourg-Gottéron, while Rögle Ängelholm secured their third win in a row, taking down HC Davos 3-2. The Slovak side need to pick up valuable points to maximise their chances of qualifying for the Playoffs.
Rögle continue to make waves in the Champions Hockey League - after starting their season with back-to-back wins they head into this game with three in a row to their name. Their latest win over Davos is indicative of the team's ability to dictate the pace of play and maintain that dominance for a full 60 minutes. Despite two late tallies by Davos, the Swedes managed to stay grounded and clinch the win.
This is exactly the same style of play that's propelled them to among the best in terms of metrics across the league. As of now, Rögle are positioned as the best defensive team in the league, allowing just 1.40 GAG. As they prepare to take on Nitra, the Swedes should continue to focus on what they do when the puck is on their stick.
Nitra netted the first goal in their game against Fribourg, but a breakdown in defence let the Swiss put six past the Slovakians' netminder to close things off. Being outscored by multiple tallies is nothing new to Nitra as they've been guilty of giving up multiple goals in all but one contest.
The club's lone bright spot is their PK where they're tied for 7th with an 87.50% efficiency. If they hope to notch another win, which will be crucial in their race to qualify for the Playoffs, then the Slovak team will need to redesign their play defensively. They've already proven that can find the net, but stopping the puck has been a different story.