Salzburg miss out on Cham­pions Hockey League semi-final spot against Färjestad

Färjestad Karlstad, second in the Swedish SHL standings and Champions Hockey League regular-season champions, produced an almost perfect quarter-final second-leg performance.

They created numerous clear-cut chances from the outset, but Salzburg's defence held firm in the first period, meaning the teams went into the break at 0:0. The Red Bulls even had the first major chance just seconds into the second period, but the Swedes quickly regained control and Lucas Forsell finally gave them the lead in the 22 minute.

Just four minutes later, Marcus Westfält made it 2:0 for Färjestad, levelling the first-leg result, before Axel Bergkvist's goal in the 32 minute made it 3:0 and set Karlstad firmly on course for the semi-finals. Salzburg initially set the tone in the final period, but they could not find a goal, and the Swedes sealed the win with three further strikes from Alexander Ljungkrantz (49), David Tomášek (50/PP1) and Oskar Steen (57/EN).

CHL play-off format

The top 16 teams in the 24-team field contest the round of sixteen. 1st plays 16th, 2nd plays 15th, and so on. This then determines the play-off bracket through to the final. The play-off ties are decided over two legs, with aggregate goals deciding in the event of a points tie. Only the final is played as a single, all-deciding match.

Champions Hockey League – quarter-final first leg

Färjestad Karlstad vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 6:0 (0:0,3:0,3:0)
Tue, 17 December 2024, 19:00

Färjestad Karlstad scorers: Lucas Forsell (22), Marcus Westfält (26), Axel Bergkvist (32), Alexander Ljungkrantz (49), David Tomášek (50/PP1), Oskar Steen (57/EN)

First leg:

EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Färjestad Karlstad 3:1 (1:1,2:0,0:0)

Tue, 03 December 2024, 18:00
Red Bull Salzburg scorers: Ryan Murphy (17), Nash Nienhuis (29/SH1), Scott Kosmachuk (38/PP1)
Färjestad Karlstad scorer: Marian Studenič (18)

Färjestad Karlstad, with an aggregate score of 7:3 in the semi-finals.