The VSV became a party fright at the Black Wings’ “Legendentreff”.

The result did not suit the occasion, the catch-up (from 0:3 to 3:3) was worthy of all honor: The Steinbach Black Wings lost in their big anniversary match in front of the fine backdrop of 3681 visitors to Villacher SV 3:4 after a penalty shoot-out (0:0, 0:3, 3:0/0:0/0:1) and now have to tremble for a place in the top six that qualify directly for the play-off quarterfinals.

EHC, overtaken by KAC, who beat Asiago 3-1, is still over the ominous line, but the lead over the seventh-placed Vienna Capitals is only two points.

Yesterday’s heroes in the spotlight

Regardless of the bitter outcome, the loyal supporters of the Black Wings, who have been with the club through all the ups and downs, know how to celebrate as they come. More than half an hour before the start of the game, the fans were queuing in front of the entrances to the Linz-AG-Eisarena. After all, it was a special ice hockey evening, the Upper Austrians celebrated their “Night of Legends” in retro style.

The spotlight was directed towards the players’ bench in front of the opening face-off, and the heroes of yore lined up there to thunderous applause and chants. 30 years Black Wings, 20 years first championship title – such anniversaries call for a proper staging, which the people of Linz managed splendidly.

The audience was brilliantly entertained and called out the names of the protagonists as naturally as if the gentlemen were still being played today. Pat Leahy had traveled all the way from America and not only received standing ovations for that reason, but also the former crowd favourite, goalkeeper Pavel Nestak, found his way to the steel city. It would go beyond the scope to list all the names.

“It’s very competitive”

Nevertheless, tonight was not just about honoring former top performers, but also about three important points in the race for the play-off tickets.

“It’s very competitive, we have to do our job. Of course, when the score is settled, we want to be in the top six,” said Black Wings coach Philipp Lukas, who welcomed two returnees to the team after injury breaks: Goalie Rasmus Tirronen was back on guard, and striker Graham Knott was also back. This time Shawn St-Amant and Matt Murphy were missing.

The people of Linz wore extremely neat petrol dresses with orange back numbers and also looked very handsome on the ice. The Black Wings faced off against what is currently the hottest team in the league, Villacher SV, coached by the 2011/12 Linz master coach, who had won eight of the last nine matches.

The EHC brought the energy onto the ice that Philipp Lukas demands. EHC should have been in the lead in the 16th minute, but Stefan Gaffal missed the empty goal. Can happen. The score was 0-0 after 20 minutes, although the visitors screamed to score several times.

“It’s an incredible stadium”

“Linz was and is ice hockey city. It has culture, it’s an incredible stadium when the hall is full,” said Kevin Moderer, who wore the jersey for the Black Wings from 2015 to 2018. “Those were difficult times, but now it seems to be booming again.”

Of course, there are setbacks along the way. You get goals you don’t score. Only 28 seconds were played in the second period when Chris Collins struck ice cold and gave the “Adler” from Carinthia a 1-0 lead with a solo worth seeing.

The reaction from the ranks was immediate: “Equalization, equalization,” chanted the crowds. This wish should not come true. Ramon Schnetzer only hit the post in the 25th minute and in return deflected a Collins shot into his own net with his skate – 0:2. That’s what you call double bad luck. Very bitter.

Linz reported back after being 3-0 down

But it got even worse. After 30:43 minutes it was 0:3, Robert Sabolic had scored and thus ended Tironen’s working day. Coach Lukas replaced the Finn with Thomas Höneckl.

“It’s not enough, we make so many slight mistakes. It’s not enough at the moment, we take so much, but the spark doesn’t jump over. It’s our own fault,” said striker Stefan Gaffal quite frustrated in the interview. “It’s disappointing and tedious. We must not hang our heads now.”

Was also like that. A 0:3 is not uncatchable in ice hockey. Especially when you get such a brilliant start like Linz in the third third. Brian Lebler only needed 13 seconds to reduce the score to 1:3 (41st). After 90 seconds it was suddenly 2:3 (42nd).

Michael Haga hit and made the hall tremble. Everything was open again and a tingling final phase, in which fists were flying between Andreas Kristler and Sabolic, was guaranteed.

The Black Wings found their chances to equalize, the tenacity was to be rewarded late. Haga scored 17 seconds before the siren to the acclaimed 3:3. “Oh, that’s nice, you haven’t seen anything like that for a long time,” roared through the arena. What an evening, what a 172nd duel between Linz and Villach. Extension included.

Controversial decision

After five goalless minutes, the decision had to be made in a penalty shootout. The VSV had the better end for itself. Anthony Luciani converted the sixth attempt, of the six shooters only Brian Lebler missed.

Sabolic’s move was only rated as a “good goal” after video evidence, Höneckl seemed to have stopped the target just before the line. In a TV shot, however, you could see the full-diameter puck going inside. Anyway: it goes on.

Now the championship (international) break. The Black Wings still have five games to play in the regular season: On February 14th, the Vienna Capitals, a direct opponent, will continue for a top six place.

This is followed by the matches at HC Pustertal (February 17), against record champions KAC (February 19), in Szekesfehervar (February 21) and at home against the “Red Devils” from Hungary (February 26). The tension is high. Four teams are already firmly in the quarter-finals: Salzburg, Bozen, Innsbruck and, as of today, VSV.