EBEL Finals, serie is tied 1:1 (2:3PS, 3:1)

Since this season in Austrian EBEL along with Slovenian Jesenice that already played last season there were two new teams - Slovenian Olimpija and Hungarian Alba. No one expected any of this teams in Final, only Jesenice were held as black horse and they were giving some chances of reaching the Final. Well, Olimpija is here now, and there are only few persons, Olimpija's fans that expected this outcome. They were in "League 4" along with worst teams in league - Alba, Graz and Innsbruck following their bad results in first part of the season. In fact after good start they were really awful. Since then a lot changed, Olimpija in Play-off was totally different team, beating favorized KAC easily (3:0), eliminating strong Linz (4:2) and even beating Salzburg in first match away. In 2nd match they also had good start, lead 1:0 and then just STOPPED. After that lead Salzburg managed to tie the score and later to win the game 3:1. It was totally deserved, even great Westlund between the bars didn't managed to stop Salzburg.

Salzburg didn't had easy season. Their pre-season expectations were much bigger, they should win the league by big margin, but their results were awful, and that fourth place in regular season was their best place they could possibly achive. There are various reason why it happened, but i can probably name few, from lack of "chemistry" among the team, to stupid schedule which interfered preparation friendly tournament (Red Bulls Salute) with season games, and later they had to play in Euro Champions Cup. Anyway, everything is behind them since they entered Play-off, they beaten Villach more or less easy, then they totally swept the strongest team till then - Vienna Caps, it was 4:0. Salzburg is the most expensive team of the league, with big roster and good goalie and today they should turn the serie in their advantage.

For Austrians it would be the major humiliation if Slovenian team would be league champion. Even in Tivoli hall referees were more friendly with Austrian team and there were few decisions that were going in their favor. I don't think it was the deciding factor, but it can't be minus for this pick. Furthermore, Olimpija doesn't have as big roster as Salzburg, they played most of the season with 2-3 lines, while Salzburg plays with four. Their tiredness was obvious already in last match, in this it could be decisive factor. Salzburg is more fresh, they have "longer bench" and their tempo is faster. If Olimpija doesn't manage to take early lead and do that with two or more, Salzburg should win this game comfortably.

Pick : Salzburg (-1)
Odds : 1.81
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Pinnacle
Date : 2008-03-18
Match Result : 3-4
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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