It’s a huge game in Vienna as the Capitals host the ZSC Lions for a shootout to decide who will advance to the next round. Well, sort of – the Lions hold a three-goal Head-2-Head advantage after last week’s win, so it’s not a straight shootout for either side.

The Capitals will have to win tonight’s game by four goals to make sure of going through, or by three if they score at least eight to win the tie-break rules! There is however a plot twist – if Aalborg beat Frölunda, then a regulation win will be enough for the Capitals to get through from a three-way tie between themselves, Lions, and Indians. They continue to dominate the EBEL early season, with no losses and only one dropped point in their entire 10 games so far.

For the Lions getting to game as far as overtime will be enough to book their place in the Round of 16 without having to worry about what’s going on elsewhere. A three-goal loss, conceding 7 or less, will also be good enough if Frölunda win. In the event of a total dead head between the two teams, the Lions’ have the ultimate tie-break from the CHL Ranking before this season’s draw. Domestically they’ve won their last five straight.