The matchup between Kärpät Oulu and Red Bull Salzburg features two long-time participants in the Champions Hockey League, but this is the first time they’ll face each other. Salzburg have played in all four previous CHL seasons but this is the first time they’ve made the Quarter-Finals. Kärpät, on the other hand, missed the competition last season but have two Semi-Final appearances and one Final in the past, but they’re still looking for their first title.
Both of these teams won their groups this season. Kärpät topped Group F with 14 points and Salzburg topped Group G with 13. In the Round of 16, both of these teams tied their first games on the road before winning at home.
Kärpät drew 4-4 in Zurich before winning dramatically in Oulu 3-2, thanks to two late goals by Radek Koblizek. Both of his goals were assisted by Nicklas Lasu, who also scored two goals in the first leg and is the team’s LGT Top Scorer with 12 points overall.
Salzburg played to a 4-4 tie in Rouen, then beat the Dragons 5-1 on home ice in a game that was in doubt until the third period, when the Red Bulls put it away with two goals. John Hughes had three points in that game, and he’s the team’s LGT Top Scorer with eight overall.
Strong both offensively and defensively, it would seem that Kärpät enter this matchup as favourites, it should be noted that they haven’t faced any real adversity yet in the CHL, while Salzburg surprised favourites SC Bern and the Växjö Lakers in the Group Stage, meaning they’re not likely to be intimidated.