HC Kufstein edge Kundl in district derby thriller – Wattens Penguins keep playoff hopes alive

The circumstances ahead of the fourth and final Kufstein district derby of the season could hardly have been more different. HC Kufstein had secured playoff qualification early in Group West, while last season's playoff participants EHC Crocodiles Kundl were out of contention after Tuesday's 4:7 defeat to VEU Feldkirch.

Nevertheless, the typical crackle of a district derby could be felt from the outset in front of almost 900 fans. Both teams engaged in an open contest in the first period, with good passages of play at both ends. Towards the end of the period, the Dragons were unable to capitalise on an almost two-minute 5:3 power play. 

Early in the second period, Sandro Haller made it 1:0 for HC Kufstein, his shot from the blue line being deflected unstoppably into Michael Sparr's net by a Kundl defenceman after exactly 01:34.

The derby remained exciting and entertaining. Kundl battled tenaciously and drew level at 1:1 on a 5:3 power play. Sebastian Schild converted a rebound from close range. With 19 seconds remaining before the second siren, Robert Schopf sent the fans at Kufstein Eisarena into raptures with a powerful power-play shot to make it 2:1.

Just 26 seconds into the final period, Daniel Mitterdorfer fired from the blue line for Kundl and Kayson Arthur Gallant deflected the puck in to level the score at 2:2. Things then got even worse for the home side: Maximilian Agerer made it 3:2 for the Crocodiles in the 45th minute following a quick power-play attack.

The derby was now on a knife edge. Herbert Steiner fired after a face-off and equalised at 3:3 in the 51st minute. Then it was crunch time. David Hrazdira relieved the home fans with a powerful wrist shot to give them a 4:3 lead just under two minutes from the end. Kundl pressed for an equaliser, but Martin Kosnar sealed the win at 5:3 with an empty-net goal ten seconds before the final whistle.

With the win, the Dragons take top spot in the Group West standings at least until Saturday.

Wattens Penguins comfortably beat HC Innsbruck II

Defending champions WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins made a lightning start to the derby against HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II: after exactly 01:45, Julian Jagersbacher made it 1:0 for the team coached by head coach Jaro Betka.

The home side then controlled the game and created good chances, while Haie goaltender Markus Gratzer kept Innsbruck in the contest during the first period. Speaking of lightning starts: in the second period, it took exactly 24 seconds for Lukas Schwitzer to convert a rebound and make it 2:0.

Wattens remained dominant and made it 3:0 on the power play in the 32nd minute through Matthias Kastner, who swept the puck over the line. Two seconds after a power play had expired, Taylor Holst increased the Penguins' lead to 4:0 from close range.

In the final period, Michael Markart reduced the deficit to 1:4 from the Innsbrucker Haie's perspective with a fine shot in the 45th minute. The gloves then came off between Innsbruck's Mario Schöser and Valentin Hammerle following a slash by Hammerle.

In the 56th minute, Christoph Hörtnagl finished off an attack to make it 5:1 for Wattens. With a minute and a half remaining, Philipp Niederhauser made it 6:1, and 35 seconds later Markus Prock put the home side 7:1 ahead. Valentin Hammerle put the finishing touch on the game at 8:1 with eight seconds left. The reigning champions remain in the playoff race, while Innsbruck suffered their 15th defeat in their 15th game.

Group West matchday

WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II 8:1 (1:0,3:0,4:1)
Fri, 13 January 2023, 19:30, Alpenstadion
Goalscorers for WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins: Julian Jagersbacher (01:45), Lukas Schwitzer (20:24), Matthias Kastner (31:44/PP1), Taylor Holst (35:45), Christoph Hörtnagl (55:42), Philipp Niederhauser (58:22), Markus Prock (58:57)
Goalscorers for HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie: Michael Markart (44:04), Valentin Hammerle (59:52)

HC Kufstein vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl 5:3 (0:0,2:1,3:2)
Fri, 13 January 2023, 19:45, Eisarena Kufstein
Goalscorers for HC Kufstein: Sandro Haller (21:34), Robert Schopf (39:41/PP1), Herbert Steiner (50:38), David Hrazdira (57:51), Martin Kosnar (59:50)
Goalscorers for EHC Crocodiles Kundl: Sebastian Schild (28:45/PP2), Kayson Arthur Gallant (40:26), Maximilian Agerer (44:02/PP1)

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