Monday, 16. October 2023 |
Red Bulls aim to end CHL regular season with winLahti Pelicans also still fighting for playoff spot // Champions Hockey LeagueEC Red Bull Salzburg will play the last game in the Regular Season of the Champions Hockey League tomorrow, Tuesday, hosting the Lahti Pelicans from Finland at home (8.20 p.m., ORF Sport+ from 10 p.m.). Even if the chances to still qualify for the playoff with a lot of lucky circumstances are very slim, the Red Bulls want to make a big play against the Finnish top team from Lahti and show that they belong in the top division.
Tickets
The starting position
After five games in the regular season, the Red Bulls hold 19th place in the 24-team field with one win and four points. With another win in regular season against the Lahti Pelicans, the jump under the playoff eligible top 16 would theoretically still be possible, if at the same time some other teams around the 'line' provide shooting assistance.
The Lahti Pelicans are currently 12th with 8 points, but still need to score to secure a playoff spot on their own. On their way through the regular season, the Finns have picked up wins against the Rouen Dragons, Vitkovice Ridera and Bolzano (in overtime), losing to the Växjö Lakers and Ocelari Trinec.
The opponent
The Finnish first division club was founded in 1996 under this name, but its history dates back to 1891 with various other names. The Pelicans have been playing in Finland's top league since 1999 and have had their hands on the trophy twice, but lost in the final in 2012 and just last season (1:4 wins against Tappara Tampere).
Currently, Head Coach Tommi Niemelä's team is running behind expectations, judging by the preseason. After 12 rounds in the Liiga, Lahti is in 14th and second last place in the table with 3 wins and 9 losses. However, the Pelicans have recently become stronger again and have lost the last four winless games each time by only one goal difference or twice only in overtime.
In the CHL, the Finns were already represented in the 2019/20 season, but then did not get beyond the fourth group place. They have not yet had any contact with the Red Bulls.
Salzburg defenseman Chay Genoway
"It feels good to go into the game against the Lahti Pelicans with two ICE Hockey League wins. We still have a chance, even though we would like to be in a better position. But we will go all out and see what comes. Most Finnish teams love to play with the trap when they can't forecheck. They are aggressive and hard to beat with five on the ice. We definitely expect a tough game."
Champions Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg – Lahti Pelicans
Tue, 17.10.2023; Eisarena Salzburg, 8.20 p.m.
ORF Sport+ (from 10 p.m.)
Next home game of the Red Bulls
Fri, 20 October vs. Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey
Eisarena Salzburg | 7.15 p.m. | Tickets
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