The Star – Vålerenga

Stjernen – Vålerenga – Ice Hockey – EHL
Match start: Tuesday 10 March at 19:00
Vålerenga to win 1st period (2.05)
Stake: 5/10 units

Three justifications for the game proposal

• Vålerenga has won the first period in 11 of 11 matches against Stjernen
• The Oslo team has consistently set a high pace in the opening matches
• Vålerenga has won the first period in all matches against Stjernen this season

Vålerenga is looking for a new strong start in quarterfinal four

The quarter-final series between Vålerenga and Stjernen continues in Fredrikstad with the fourth game in a best-of-seven series. The Oslo team has so far had a clear advantage in the opening games, but in the previous game Stjernen showed that they can still fight back. Stjernen took the lead early, but Vålerenga still won the first period after two goals by Karterud and Olimb in the middle of the period. The Fredrikstad team eventually managed to turn the game around and surprisingly secured the victory at Jordal Amfi.

Even though Stjernen won last time out, the pattern in the series has been clear when it comes to the start of the matches. Vålerenga has time and again come out of the starting blocks better, and the statistics in the head-to-head matches this season point in the same direction. Therefore, it is again possible that Vålerenga will set the tone from the start, and go into the break after the first 20 minutes of quarter-final four with the lead.

Vålerenga: Continues to set the tone from the start

For Vålerenga, the quarter-final series has so far been characterized by strong openings. The Oslo team has now won the first period in all matches against Stjernen this season, and also in the third quarter-final they took early control. The team set the pace from the start, won duels and established pressure in the offensive zone. That type of opening has become a clear characteristic of Vålerenga throughout the season.

At the same time, the team will be keen to convert the good starts into full control of the entire match. In the last match, the initiative gradually disappeared, and Stjernen used the momentum to turn the match around. For Vålerenga, quarter-final four is therefore not only about starting well, but also about keeping the pressure on throughout all three periods. They hate losing, so we will probably see a more fired-up Vålerenga now.

The star: Got an energy boost from the turnaround

For Stjernen, the victory in the previous match came as an important boost. After being under pressure for much of the match, the team showed character by turning the game around after a difficult start. In the second period, the game turned around. Stjernen raised the intensity, gained more momentum in the transition game and utilized their opportunities effectively. First, Myklebust equalized, before Blomqvist ensured that the guests went up to 3–2, a lead they managed to hold on to even though Vålerenga peppered them with shots on goal.

As the series continues in Fredrikstad, Stjernen will hope that this victory can give them new confidence. At the same time, they know that the opening of the games is still a challenge. Several times during the season, the team has fallen behind early against Vålerenga, which means that they have to use a lot of energy to catch up.

The match picture in quarterfinal four

With the series still open, it is set for another intense match. Vålerenga will probably try to recreate the same game pattern as before: high tempo from the drop, aggressive forecheck and a lot of puck in the offensive zone. Stjernen, on the other hand, will be concerned with resisting the initial pressure and getting the game into a more physical and even track.

Playoff games in Fredrikstad also tend to be characterized by high intensity and a lot of energy from the stands, which can give Stjernen extra drive throughout the match. That is precisely why the opening is often crucial, and here Vålerenga has had a clear advantage.

Conclusion

Even though Stjernen won last time out, the pattern in the series has been clear when it comes to the starts. Vålerenga has time and again come out on top from the starting blocks, and the statistics in head-to-head matches this season point in the same direction.

Therefore, it is again likely that Vålerenga will set the tone from the start, and go into the break after the first 20 minutes in quarterfinal four with the lead.