Starting position
The Red Bulls returned to Salzburg tonight with a total of three points from their two away games against Asiago and Pustertal in the space of two days. After a day of rest and rehabilitation, they want to get back to work tomorrow and aim to pick up three points against the Graz99ers in front of their own fans. Salzburg are also looking to return to a more consistent performance, as the Austrian champions have alternated between wins and defeats in their last six games.
Thomas Raffl, the captain who is looking forward to his comeback after almost a month out injured, will also be looking to help. The 38-year-old striker played his last game on January 15 in Bolzano. This means that the Red Bulls could have a full squad at the start against Graz for the first time this season.
The Graz team will definitely be without injured captain Korbinian Holzer. But that won't stop the team from fighting for important points in the sprint to the finish of the basic round. Twice the Red Bulls won with only one goal difference and also three weeks ago at the 4:1 in Graz they only sealed the deal in the final third. Yesterday in Linz, they were beaten 3:5 after conceding three goals in the final third.
Collecting points for different goals
Both teams want to make a strong showing in the remaining GD games. The Graz99ers are sixth, just one point ahead of their closest rivals Villach, who are aiming to join the top group. Fourth place would also still be realistic for the Styrians if Linz (4th) and Székesfehérvár (5th) suffer losses.
The Red Bulls are second in the table and one game behind leaders KAC with four points. However, third-placed HCB is also breathing down their necks. The aim remains to top the table and at least secure a CHL starting place for 2025/26; the top two after the basic round (plus the eventual ICE champions) will get a ticket to the top flight.