Slovan crush the Capitals

HC SLOVAN Bratislava - UPC Vienna Capitals 6:2 (3:0, 3:1, 0:1)

Goals: 6. Sersen (Sigalet, Miklík), 9. Sersen (Miklík, Škoula), 20. Andrej Šťastný (T. Mikúš), 23. R. Mráz (I. Ďatelinka), 35. Bartovič (Škoula), 40. L. Hudáček (Sigalet, I. Ďatelinka) - 28. Schlacher, 52. Oulette (Veideman)

Rosters:
HC Slovan Bratislava: Kopřiva – Sersen, Škoula, Sigalet, Mojžíš, Štajnoch, Ďatelinka, Kolena, Brejčák – Bartovič, Bližňák, Netík – Vondrka, Ölvecký, Miklík – Daňo, Kukumberg, Hudáček – T. Mikúš, Šťastný, R. Mráz
UPC Vienna Capitals: Zaba – Fraser, Lakos, Veideman, Schweda, Matheson, Fletcher, Klimbacher, Hartl – Olsson, Schiechl, Ferland – Keller, Oulette, Sylvester – Fortier, Gratton, Rotter – Puschnik, Fischer, Schlacher

It was a fantastic first period for HC SLOVAN, who scored three unanswered goals to take the game away from the Capitals. Slovak defenceman Michal Sersen was in imperious form, finding the back of the net with a one timer on the powerplay in the 6^th minute after being passed the puck by Jonathan Sigalet. Three minutes later, and Sersen had his second. A great piece of passing play between Martin Škoula and Michel Miklík sent up Sersen, who hammered a slapshot past Zaba in the Vienna net. In the final minute of the first period, fantastic forechecking by Tomáš Mikúš forced the turnover, and the young forward was able to find linemate Andrej Šťastný, who one-timed the puck into the back of the net.

The home side looked in imperious form against their Austrian opponents, as in the third minute of the second period, young forward Richard Mráz scored his first goal in HC SLOVAN colours. HC SLOVAN got into penalty trouble mid-way through the period which allowed Schlacher to score to cut the deficit to three. However, the home side would restore their four goal lead through captain Milan Bartovič, who skilfully deflected a Škoula point shot. As they did  in the opening frame, HC SLOVAN scored in the final minute of the second period to bring delight to the SLOVNAFT Arena, as Libor Hudáček scored his second goal in as many games to give his side a 6-1 lead after two periods.

HC SLOVAN were able to take their foot off the accelerator in the third period, but that did not mean they let the Capitals back in the game. Miklík and Daňo combined for a great chance early in the period, but the former’s pass was just off target. A few minutes later, Miklík would be involved in the play again, this time with Michal Vondrka, whose shot just missed the top corner of Zaba’s net. Vienna scored again on the powerplay through Ouelllette, but it would only be a consolation, as HC SLOVAN held on for the four goal victory and secured their fourth win in pre-season so far. Their next opponent in the European Trophy is HC Sparta Praha, who they face on Tuesday at 18:00.