Games yesterday (Friday, September 17):
Linz vs Salzburg 0-4
Salzburg proved a too much to handle for Linz, got an early 2-0 lead and their win was never in doubt. For Linz, their next game against Villach should be much more of an indicator.
Fehervar vs Villach 5-1
Strong game by Fehervar who outplayed Villach. VSV hasn't found their groove yet and got weak goaltending from Andreas Bernard who conceded two weak goals. Fehervar, however, does look like a site that will cause many opponents trouble.
Innsbruck vs Ljubljana 4-3
After the easy win one week ago, Innsbruck took this one too lightly. Ljubljana surprised with a more intense effort and got two quick goals to make it 2-0. The shocked hosts couldn't get going, but finally scored a shorthanded goal just before the end of the period. Then they took over and worked themselves to a 3-2 lead before they added an empty-netter. A late goal for Ljubljana didn't change the outcome, but the Slovenian club gave a solid effort. Future opponents better take note.
Graz vs Dornbirn 2-3 OT
Underwhelming effort by Graz through two periods, which allowed Dornbirn to go ahead 2-0. In the third period Graz finally took over and dominated. They scored twice to tie the game, but couldn't get a third goal. In the overtime, Dornbirn netted one and that sealed it. Both coaches will feel their team has to up their game going forward.
Bratislava Capitals vs Pustertal/Bruneck 2-3
A little surprise in Bratislava and a bad start into the season for the home team. They went ahead twice, but both times the league newcomers from Pustertal managed to equalize the score. Pustertal looked a bit shaky defensively, but were able to create something offensively.
Klagenfurt vs Vienna 5-0
Vienna is in the worst shape it's been for maybe 10 years. The Capitals were underhwelming all game and got dominated easily by Klagenfurt. The score could have been higher. Add insult to injury: two players (Clifford Pu and Shawn Lalonde) didn't dress because they are apparently looking for a way out of the club.
Bolzano vs Znojmo 5-4
An early lead for the visitors, but Bolzano answered with three quick goals to make it 3-1. However, Znojmo put up a fight and after the second period the score was close with a 4-3. In the third, Bolzano went up by two goals once more to win the game. A late goal by Znojmo couldn't change the outcome anymore, but new Bolzano coach Doug Mason can't be happy with 4 goals against at home.