Urban praises the chemistry on his line and the goalie: A playoff shutout gives the team huge confidence

The Player of the Week in RAHL2 is Lukáš Urban of team Uličníci Pressburg, who played a major part in his team's advance to the playoff semifinals. In the second quarterfinal game against Alpha Hockey Team he contributed two goals to the convincing 4:0 win and was one of the key figures of his team's successful evening.

1. Two goals in one game. How do you rate your performance?

Lukáš: “I'm fairly happy with my performance. I'm glad they're going in for me and that I can help the team win. I'd also like to thank Ligas for being such a good center for us. Kiko and I are really very grateful for him.”

2. A 4:0 win and a confirmed advance to the playoff semifinals past Alpha Hockey Team. How would you rate your team's performance in this game?

Lukáš: “Against Alpha, I think our performance was very good. They were a demanding opponent who didn't let us get many chances in their defensive zone and defended well. In the second game we had a slight advantage after winning the first one, so in theory even a tie would have been enough for us. But I'm glad we were able to win the game and that we tuned up so well for the next opponent.”

3. In two games you did not allow a single goal. Is that the mark of an excellent goalie or of a good defense?

Lukáš: “A lot of the credit also goes to our defense and to goalie Berenčík. Keeping a shutout in the playoffs is, I think, even more valuable than in the regular season. Games like these give the team a lot of confidence, and I hope we manage to keep this stat going for as long as possible.”

4. In the RAHL2 playoff semifinals you will face Hockey For All? How will you prepare for your opponent?

Lukáš: “Hockey for All will definitely be a very tough opponent. We'll have to be more careful, mainly in front of the net, play with discipline and be thorough on defense. It will also be important to convert the chances we create, because in the playoffs it's often the small details that decide.”

5. The season stats against Hockey For All are in your favor. Do you think you have the recipe for beating them?

Lukáš: “⁠The stats may be on our side, but in the playoffs nobody looks at that much. We'll have to shift into a higher gear so that our season doesn't end and we come out of this series as the winners. Either way, these will be very tough games, but I'm really looking forward to them.”

In the quarterfinal series Lukáš Urban confirmed his importance to team Uličníci Pressburg and, with two accurate shots, helped seal the advance to the final four. His words also show that in the locker room they are aware of the strength of their next opponent and will go into the semifinals with respect, but also with healthy confidence. The series against Hockey For All thus promises a quality, evenly matched fight for the final.