Vorarlberg met Villach in the ICE Hockey League on Thursday, losing 1-2. The visitors secured all three points on the road. The hosts failed to find the net despite pressure. This was the first meeting between the sides this season.
And here's the thing, you can see the quality difference when you look past the scoreline. Villach kept their side in it until the decisive moment. Vorarlberg never got out of second gear, but that wasn't enough against a sharper opponent. The visitors have now won their opener.
We backed the visitors before the game, with 48% confidence in an away win. It came off, which isn't always the case in this league. Villach looked the more settled side, even if the flow was interrupted by stoppages. They had not won since August.
By then, the table told its own story. Villach sits fourth after one game, while Vorarlberg languishes in eleventh. Both sides have played one match, so it is early days. Villach has three points, while Vorarlberg has none. The standings are set after one round.
To be fair, Villach had a mixed run recently. They lost to Augsburg and Olympia before this win. Vorarlberg beat Turgau 5-3 in August, but that was months ago. Villach also lost to Black Wings Linz 0-4.
The result means Villach starts the campaign with momentum. Vorarlberg will need to regroup quickly. The table shows Villach ahead.
