Capitals suffer another narrow defeat against Black Wings

The Vienna Capitals suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Black Wings Linz in round 19 of the win2day ICE Hockey League.

The Linz side enjoyed a dream start. Emilio Romig exploited plenty of open space in the offensive zone and buried the puck with a wrist shot (4'). Just two minutes later, Kyle Topping won possession along the boards and fired into the top near corner to make it 2-0 for the Black Wings.

However, the Viennese fought back before the first intermission. Konstantin Komarek scored on the backhand to cut the deficit to 1-2 (19'). The Capitals pushed hard in the middle period, but Linz maintained their slender lead.

Capitals frustrated in search of equalizer

The hosts continued to push for an equalizer in the third period. Two late penalties against Kyle Topping made for a tense finish, but Vienna were unable to beat Linz goaltender Dylan Wells again.

There were also concerning scenes in the final minute, as Trenton Bliss required medical attention and was unable to finish the game on the ice.

The Capitals' losing streak rolls on, while Linz underlined their position among the league's top teams.

KAC celebrate win over HCI thanks to Obersteiner and Drozg

Meanwhile, KAC celebrated a 5-2 home victory over HC Innsbruck.

The Klagenfurt side got off to a flying start. Travis St. Denis capitalized on a stray pass off the boards by the Tyroleans after just 32 seconds. Jan Drozg then doubled the lead from a rebound in the slot to make it 2-0 (7').

The Tyroleans managed to pull one back before the first buzzer, with Kevin Macierzynski poking the puck over the line (18'). However, KAC restored their two-goal cushion when Daniel Obersteiner directed the puck into the net with his skate outside the crease with what appeared to be a kicking motion (30').

HCI responded once again, as Justin Richards got the visitors back into the contest before the second intermission (35').

Hudson handed major penalty, but KAC still prevail

The Carinthians then made life difficult for themselves when Jacob Hudson was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for a check to the head of Connor Mayer.

KAC killed off the five-minute penalty, however, and sealed the victory shortly after. Both Obersteiner (52') and Drozg (57') completed their braces in the closing stages.

Following their derby triumph, KAC celebrated another victory, while Innsbruck remain rooted in the lower reaches of the table.