Vienna Capitals beat Val Pusteria 3:2 in the Ice Hockey League on Sunday. The hosts held on for all three points after a hard-fought contest. It was a result that changed the complexion of the early standings, though both sides are still finding their feet in the table.
The two teams have been form-based this season. Vienna lost 2:3 to Ferencváros on their last outing, while Val Pusteria came from nowhere to take a 2:5 defeat. Both sides have won more than they've lost so far — five victories each — but the points tally remains at zero, which tells you the season is barely underway.
And here's the thing, you'd have given the visitors the edge before kick-off. Our prediction was an away win with 49 per cent confidence. The bookmakers would have priced that too, given Val Pusteria's stronger recent run. They'd won four of five before this match, including a 5:4 thriller against Black Wings Linz. Vienna had mixed results — a 4:3 win over Villach, but also a heavy 2:6 loss to Milan.
By then, the match had another story altogether. The hosts took control where you'd least expect it. Val Pusteria came into this game with momentum, but Vienna closed the game out when it mattered. Three goals to two is not a blowout, and it wasn't a one-sided affair either. The visitors had their chances but couldn't find the equaliser.
The result means Vienna moves into a better position relative to their rivals. Val Pusteria remains in sixth place, one spot above the hosts, but the gap in games played means they'll need to catch up soon. Eight games versus nine — that difference will matter by mid-season.
