Graz99ers suffered their fourth loss of the season at the hands of Bílí Tygři Liberec while SaiPa Lappeenranta were dealt their second defeat in a 3-2 decision against HK Nitra. 

The Finnish side managed to tie it up midway through the third, but Nitra ended it one minute into the extra session to claim the extra point. SaiPa have had a pretty balanced season so far, and while the numbers don't shout spectacular, they've been quietly compiling points and making a go at advancing to the next stage of the season.

Their seventh-ranked offence has been effective enough to push them past teams like Dynamo Pardubice and continuing to hone their O-zone skills will only help. Their issue lies on the backend where they've given up an average of 3.25 GAG. Securing their third win means readjusting their dimensions on the blueline so that the Austrians can't take advantage.

For the Graz99ers, it's no longer about what they need to salvage their season because the answer is obvious from all sides. Right now, their main concern is simply matching the pace of the opposition. So far through four games, the Austrians have been outscored by multiple goals in each contest and have been held to two or fewer tallies in each tilt. But one area they have been effective in is special teams. As of now, they're currently ranked third league-wide in powerplay conversion with 30.77%. If Graz99ers can draw a few penalties early and create opportunities on the man-advantage, this may be the way towards achieving that ever-elusive first win.