HC Košice Edge Out Banská Bystrica in Thrilling Playoff Opener
Košice secured a 3-2 victory over Banská Bystrica in a captivating first game of the Tipsport Liga playoff quarterfinal series on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The match, held in Košice, went to overtime, with Mislav Rosandič scoring the decisive goal for the home team.
Game Summary
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams demonstrating offensive prowess. Banská Bystrica drew first blood with a goal from Valach in the 12th minute. Košice responded in the third period with goals from Lunter (48th minute) and Rosandič (60th minute), only to see Banská Bystrica equalize through Tomka just 88 seconds later. Rosandič then sealed the win with a goal in overtime.
Key Moments
- 12th Minute: Valach (Banská Bystrica) opens the scoring.
- 48th Minute: Lunter (Košice) ties the game.
- 60th Minute: Rosandič (Košice) gives Košice the lead.
- 49th Minute: Tomka (Banská Bystrica) equalizes.
- 70th Minute (Overtime): Rosandič (Košice) scores the winning goal.
Team Lineups
HC Košice
Goaltenders: Riečický (Jurčák)
Defensemen: Rosandić, Bučko, Šedivý, Ferenc, Dakhnovsky, A. Bartoš, Deyl
Forwards: Mikúš, Krivošík, Petráš; Lunter, Jellúš, Chovan; Lamper, Havrila, Rogoň; Plochotnik, Repčík, Liščinský; Kvietok
HC MONACObet Banská Bystrica
Goaltenders: Rabčan
Defensemen: Lucas, Galipeau, Lee, Stránský, Michalčin, Česánek, Žabka
Forwards: Turnbull, Myklucha, Faith; Kukuča, Tomka, Šoltés; Zigo, Valach, Gron; Ondrušek, Buc, Jasenec
Game Statistics
Final Score: HC Košice 3 – 2 HC MONACObet Banská Bystrica (OT)
Attendance: 4023
Penalties: Košice 2 minutes, Banská Bystrica 5 minutes
Power Plays: 0/2 for Košice, 0/0 for Banská Bystrica
What’s Next?
The second game of the series is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Steel Aréna in Košice. The series will continue with a best-of-seven format.