Nitra leads semifinal against Poprad 2:1 after dramatic…

Nitra leads semifinal against Poprad 2:1 after dramatic shootout

08.04.2026 05:42 HotInfo

HK Poprad hockey players took the lead in the Tipsport League play-off semifinal, winning the opening game on HK Nitra's ice 4:3 after overtime. The decisive goal was scored by Adam Cracknell with a skillful deflection after 42 seconds of extra time beyond regulation. SITA ↗

The match offered spectators dynamic hockey with numerous goal changes. Nitra, which won the league in the regular season with 112 points and advanced to the semifinal after a dramatic seven-game qualification series against Michalovce, fell behind. However, the home team's favorite status proved justified as they managed to fight back into the game and equalize the score. sport.sk ↗

However, the disciplinary committee penalized Nitra after the first match. The professional hockey panel punished forward Tomáš Hrnka with a one-game suspension from sporting activity for a cross-check in Friday's match. As a result, Nitra took the ice for the second semifinal duel without their leader. Denník N Blogy ↗

In the second match of the series, Nitra successfully made up for their opening stumble and defeated Poprad 3:2 despite significant weakenings in the team. The home team's victory was decided by an empty-net goal in the final part of the match. The result meant the series was leveled at 1:1, in a series played to four wins. SITA ↗

In the third match of the series, played in Poprad, the dramatic course of the semifinal continued. HK Nitra won 3:2 after a shootout and took a 2:1 lead in the series. The match was even, and the decisive moment came only in the shootout, when the Nitra players demonstrated greater mental strength. A Poprad player commented after the match: "If there hadn't been a shootout, we would have broken them." All three matches of the series ended with just a one-goal difference, highlighting the significant evenness of both teams. sme.sk ↗

HK Nitra wishes to celebrate a significant event in its history by advancing to the final. The club is marking one hundred years since its founding this year. The play-off semifinal continues with another meeting between the two teams, where Nitra will want to bring the series to a close, while Poprad will fight to return to the series. sme.sk ↗

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