Tipsport Liga Playoff Picture Takes Shape as Prešov and Trenčín Face Elimination
The 51st round of the Tipsport hockey league has effectively decided that the playoff for remaining in the top competition will be contested by Prešov and Trenčín. Despite a 3:1 triumph on the ice of Slovan Bratislava, Dukla Trenčín can no longer qualify for the preliminary round of the playoffs.
Trenčín’s Playoff Hopes Dashed
Three rounds before the end of the regular season, Trenčín trails Zvolen by nine points and is unable to overtake them. Even with their recent victory, their hopes of advancing to the preliminary round of the playoffs have been extinguished. Trenčín ended a streak of three losses with the win against Slovan.
Zvolen and Michalovce Secure Playoff Qualification
Thanks to a 4:2 win in Spišská Nová Ves, Zvolen has secured their participation in the qualification for promotion to the play off, where they will be joined by Michalovce, who defeated Banská Bystrica 3:2. Despite the loss, Banská Bystrica remains in the top six.
Nitra Nears Dušan Pašek Cup Victory
The league-leading Nitra defeated Poprad 3:2 after a shootout, moving closer to winning the Dušan Pašek Cup, awarded to the winner of the regular season. Nitra has extended its winning streak to nine games.
Other Notable Results
- Liptovský Mikuláš – Žilina 2:0: Liptovský Mikuláš secured eighth place with their victory, winning their third game in the past four matches.
- Prešov – Košice 1:5: Košice broke a streak of three losses with a decisive win, extending Prešov’s losing streak to twelve games.
- Michalovce – Banská Bystrica 3:2: Michalovce clinched a playoff spot with their victory.
- Spišská Nová Ves – Zvolen 2:4: Zvolen secured their playoff qualification with this win.
- Slovan Bratislava – Trenčín 1:3: Trenčín’s victory, though ultimately not enough for playoff contention, ended their losing streak.
Tipsport League – 51st Round Results
- Nitra – Poprad 3:2 pp and sn
- Liptovský Mikuláš – Žilina 2:0
- Prešov – Košice 1:5
- Michalovce – Banská Bystrica 3:2
- Spišská Nová Ves – Zvolen 2:4
- Slovan Bratislava – Trenčín 1:3
Poprad currently holds a seven-point lead over Spišská Nová Ves and an eight-point lead over Liptovský Mikuláš for a place in the quarterfinals.