Player of the Week Pilár secured an important point for Petržalka: In the playoffs, personal stats take a back seat

The Player of the Week in RAHL1 is Štefan Pilár of HK Petržalka, who was one of the main figures of the first playoff semifinal game against Mad Vipers. He helped his team to a valuable 3:1 win with two goals and left a clear mark on the important first point in the series.

1. Two goals in a semifinal game. How would you rate your performance?

Štefan: “I try to help the team as much as I can. Whether I get a point in the game or not, the main thing is the win.”

2. A 3:1 win over Mad Vipers. How would you rate your team's performance?

Štefan: “A very good team performance. We're pulling for one another.”

3. In the game you had your hands full trying to beat the opponent's goaltender. How would you rate his performance, and have you found a way to beat him yet?

Štefan: “The goalie was definitely the backbone of their team in this game. We'll definitely improve our finishing for the second game.”

4. For now you lead the semifinal 1:0. What will the tactics be for the return game? Štefan: “Score at least one goal more than the opponent.”

5. For now you are the ones closer to the final. If you had to choose between Black Jokers and Wild Hogs, which team would you rather meet in the final?

Štefan: “⁠Both teams are evenly matched, and it doesn't matter which one we meet if we advance to the final.”

In the semifinal Štefan Pilár confirmed his important role on team HK Petržalka and, with two accurate shots, steered his team toward the win. Even so, it remains clear that the series is still open and that the return game will again be decided mainly by team performance, discipline and efficient finishing. After the opening game, however, HK Petržalka has shown that it entered the fight for the final in very good form.