Roster Rundown
HC Kosice enters the game with some heavy hitters ready to make an impact. Oliver Jokel, a dynamic forward, has been a pivotal part of their offensive strategy, racking up an impressive number of assists this season. Patrik Lamper, with his knack for being in the right place at the right time, has buried essential goals, making him a go-to player when the team needs that crucial tally. Another standout, Joona Jaaskelainen, has been a force on the power play, consistently finding the back of the net. On the blue line, Max Gildon plays a critical role in both shutting down opposition and contributing to the offensive rush.
Unfortunately for Kosice, they’ll be missing some key pieces. Brett Pollock, who’s been instrumental in their top line's success, is out. Additionally, Tomas Mikus, known for his robust defensive play, will also be absent.
Turning to
HKM AS Zvolen, they’ve got their own set of stars ready to hit the ice. Radovan Bondra has been a standout player, with his impressive goal-scoring ability that often swings momentum in Zvolen's favor. Peter Zuzin, on the other hand, is known for his playmaking skills, frequently setting up his teammates with perfect passes. On defense, Kris Bindulis has been a rock, leading the team in blocked shots and critical defensive plays. Tyler Sheehy also adds depth to the lineup, consistently contributing to the scoreboard.
Zvolen will miss the services of key players too. Marek Viedensky, a veteran presence and reliable two-way forward, is unavailable. Filip Culik, a young prospect who’s shown glimpses of brilliance, is also sidelined.
Head-to-Head
With a rich history of 70 encounters,
HC Kosice holds the upper hand, claiming victory in 43 of those clashes. Their recent dominance is evident with wins in three of the last four meetings. The last matchup saw Zvolen secure a win with a 5-2 triumph, though Kosice had taken the previous three games—1-4, 3-2, and 3-1.
Recent Form
HC Kosice has shown strong form recently, winning four of their last five games. Their victories came against Zvolen (4-1, 3-2, 3-1) and a commanding 7-2 win over Dukla Trencin. Their only blemish was the recent 5-2 loss to Zvolen.
HKM AS Zvolen, meanwhile, has been a mixed bag. They notched a solid 3-0 victory against Spisska Nova Ves and took down Kosice 5-2 in their latest affair. However, they stumbled in the three previous games against Kosice, losing 4-1, 3-2, and 3-1.
Wrap-Up
Kosice's recent form suggests they’re the team to beat, with consistent performances and a solid track record against Zvolen. Despite key absences, their roster depth should help fill the gaps. Zvolen, while capable of pulling off significant wins as seen in their latest encounter, will need to bring their A-game to overcome Kosice's dominance.
Summary
This matchup promises to be a tightly contested affair, with Kosice holding the slight edge due to their recent dominance and depth in the lineup. Zvolen, however, has shown they can compete and with a strong showing, could tip the balance. Expect a battle of strategies, with Kosice looking to exploit their offensive prowess and Zvolen aiming to capitalize on any defensive lapses.
Match Odds HC Kosice – HKM AS Zvolen
Leon's odds are 29 on HC Kosice winning at home.
At this moment our odds are equal to 1.25 on HKM AS Zvolen visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are 4.33.