GUEST PREVIEW - LINZ

G.B.'s second guest preview

Black Wings Linz Team Review

When discussing Black Wings Linz, the word that inevitably comes to mind is average. They showcase an average power play at 10.9%, an average penalty kill at 80.4%, and an average scoring efficiency of 9.94%. These figures are unremarkable and fail to excite. However, Linz possesses key strengths that have propelled their recent rise in form.

Key Improvements

One pivotal factor has been the addition of two impactful players after the season began: Ken Ograjenšek and Luka Maver. Both have significantly bolstered Linz's offensive performance, transforming what was a predictable attack into something much more potent.

Another defining feature of Linz is the physical profile of their roster. On average, their players are among the tallest and heaviest in the league—ranked second-tallest and fourth-heaviest. This physicality translates to a style of play built around battles along the boards and around opponents' nets. While they won’t outskate most opponents, their experience is unparalleled. Linz players have collectively logged 5,462 games in this league, far exceeding the next-most experienced team (VSV with 5,076). For perspective, Olimpija’s roster totals 3,047 games.

What to Expect

Linz’s game revolves around physical plays in the corners and heavy traffic in front of the net. Expect players like Brian Lebler or Luka Maver to consistently plant themselves near goalie Lukaš Horák, making life difficult for our defense.

Players to Watch

• Brian Lebler: A household name for fans of the league, Lebler is a tall, skilled forward with excellent reach. He’s adept at playing dirty when necessary and rarely gets penalized for it.

• Shawn St-Amant: The antithesis of Lebler, St-Amant is of average size but compensates with remarkable speed and skill. Last season, he racked up an impressive 50 points in 44 games during the regular season.

• Luka Maver: A versatile player with traits similar to Lebler, Maver brings more speed to his game. He’s been a key addition this season and a player worth keeping a close eye on.

Goaltending

Goaltending is Linz’s Achilles' heel. Their clear number one is Rasmus Tirronen, a towering presence at 191 cm who offers excellent net coverage. However, his lack of agility and explosiveness has contributed to a disappointing 89% save percentage. Backup Thomas Höneckl is a seasoned veteran of the league, but his career has been defined by mediocrity. Playing around 20 games per season, Höneckl has never truly established himself as a starting goaltender.

Conclusion

To beat Linz, our team must neutralize their physicality and manage the traffic in front of our net. This will require sharp defensive play and unwavering focus. While Linz has clear weaknesses in goaltending, their experienced roster and physical approach make them a challenging opponent.