So they do exist, the men for certain moments. Niki Hartl is one of them: The man from Salzburg in the Vienna Capitals jersey showed in the first two play-off games once morest KAC how he can cause excitement. On Wednesday he brought his team into overtime with a one-on-one performance to make it 1-1 in the 59th minute, but on Friday he turned things around with a quick 1-1 in Klagenfurt. In the end, the Viennese made it 1-1 with a 4-1 in the best-of-seven quarter-final series and welcomed the champions on Sunday with a lot of self-confidence.
Niki Hartl knows how important his goals are: “Of course it counts more in the play-offs. The balance at home, combined with the atmosphere, that was amazing. A really emotional moment.”
Career high
With 17 goals this season, he has already surpassed his career best from last season. The 30-year-old is looking forward to the atmosphere at Sunday’s home game: “After the long corona pandemic, many fans are happy that they can experience live ice hockey once more in the STEFFL Arena. That’s got goose bumps. That drives us forward.”
Collins from Villach escaped a check from Cimzar from Laibacher, probably without permanent damage. Collins crashed his head into the gang on the league-compliant check and was unconscious for some time. A concussion was diagnosed in the hospital, further tests will follow. Salzburg, who lead 2-0 once morest Znojmo, are pushing for a preliminary decision on Sunday.
