HC Falkensteiner Pustertal host EC Red Bull Salzburg in the teams’ first meeting since Pustertal swept Salzburg 4-0 in last season’s quarter-final. Every game was decided by one goal, with the final match going to a third overtime. Pustertal have won four straight, while Salzburg have won all four games since Teemu Levijoki took over as coach. Pustertal are one point ahead with two games in hand.
HCB Südtirol Alperia visit Hydro Fehérvár AV19 on a five-game winning streak. Bozen are level on points with Steinbach Black Wings Linz at the top; a regulation-time win would give them a three-point lead. Fehérvár are 11th, one point outside eighth place.
Other Friday games include Moser Medical Graz99ers against EC-KAC, with Graz seeking revenge for a 6-2 loss in September, and Olimpija Ljubljana hosting Vienna Capitals. Milano Hockey Club welcome Pioneers Vorarlberg, while HC TIWAG Innsbruck – Die Haie host FTC-Telekom on Saturday. Innsbruck have lost five straight; FTC beat Graz in overtime on Wednesday.