SaiPa returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Moser Medical Graz99ers, earning their third win of the season and securing a place in the Champions Hockey League playoffs. Gustavs Dāvis Grigals was solid in goal as SaiPa made the most of their scoring chances, including on the power play.
Saku Salminen opened the scoring nearly nine minutes into the game, finishing a passing move with SaiPa skating with an extra attacker. Janne Naukkarinen doubled the lead in the second period, sweeping in a loose puck after Henri Kiviaho made an initial save.
SaiPa added a third late in the period on a five-on-three power play. Petr Fridrich fired home Aarne Intonen’s pass from the far side. Graz99ers pulled one back 57 seconds into the third, when Nick Swaney scored on the backhand after a face-off win. It was their only goal, and the Austrian side suffered a fifth consecutive defeat.