Ravensburg Towerstars vs Landshut on January 23
The ice will crackle with intensity when the Ravensburg Towerstars host Landshut in a pivotal clash at the DEL 2 on January 23. With both teams battling for crucial points in a tight race for the playoff spots, every inch of the rink will matter. The match promises to deliver high stakes, strategic play, and a display of grit as both teams fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ravensburg Towerstars: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Ravensburg enters this match on the back of a solid run, winning four of their last five games. Their form has been buoyed by a strong defensive structure and a well-disciplined offensive game. The Towerstars typically set up in a 1-2-2 forecheck, designed to press the puck carrier and force turnovers in the neutral zone. This defensive setup allows them to transition quickly into attack, relying on their speed to break out into offensive rushes. Their power play has been notably efficient, converting at 24%, making it one of the more dangerous units in the league. With the likes of veteran forward Kevin Gaudet pulling the strings offensively, they have found a solid rhythm in the attacking zone, particularly with their cycle play around the opposing net.
In terms of statistics, the Towerstars average 32.5 shots on goal per game, a testament to their relentless forecheck and offensive zone pressure. However, they also give up 30 shots on goal per game, meaning their goalie will need to stay sharp. Goalkeeper Shawn Weller has been outstanding in recent weeks, posting a save percentage of 92.3%, which has been a crucial factor in their success. A key battle for them will be to limit Landshut's high-danger chances, especially on the power play, where the Towerstars have been somewhat inconsistent in terms of penalty kill success, sitting at 80.4%.
Injuries to watch include forward Niklas Järvi, who has been out with a lower-body injury. His absence reduces the team's depth on the power play, but his spot has been filled admirably by young star Elias Körner, who has been growing into the role.
Landshut: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Landshut comes into this fixture on a mixed run of form, winning two and losing three of their last five games. They have shown resilience, particularly in close games, but their inconsistency has been a worry. Defensively, they rely on a balanced approach, using a 2-1-2 forecheck that allows them to trap teams in their own end and create turnover opportunities. They excel in zone entries and are dangerous on the counterattack, using their speed and the explosive scoring ability of their forwards, notably Philipp Vogel and Maximilian Rausch. The team is averaging 30.7 shots on goal per game but tends to struggle with creating high-quality scoring opportunities. Their shot selection, while good, can sometimes lack precision, which has cost them in tight games.
One of Landshut's biggest strengths is their power play, which operates at an impressive 25.7%, giving them a significant advantage when on the man advantage. The team has a top-tier playmaker in defenseman Markus Kink, who excels in quarterbacking the power play and getting the puck through traffic. This makes them dangerous in every game situation, especially if Ravensburg gives them opportunities with penalties.
Goaltending has been a strong point for Landshut, with Timo Pielmeier holding down the fort between the pipes. Pielmeier has posted a save percentage of 91.6% this season and has been critical in keeping Landshut competitive in high-pressure games. His performance will be key against a team that loves to test opposing goalies with a barrage of shots.
Landshut also faces injury concerns, with forward Daniel Woger expected to miss the game due to a knee issue. Woger has been a top-six forward, and his absence weakens their forward depth, especially in critical situations like power plays and penalty kills.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last few encounters between Ravensburg and Landshut have been closely contested, with both teams trading wins and showing a high level of physicality on the ice. In their last match-up, a 3-2 victory for Ravensburg, the Towerstars' ability to lock down defensively in the final period was the difference, as they successfully killed off multiple penalties and capitalized on a late power play to seal the win. Historically, Ravensburg has had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning four out of the last five meetings, but Landshut’s resilience has shown they can never be counted out, especially in tightly contested affairs.
The psychological edge may lie with Ravensburg, given their better recent form and higher position in the standings. However, Landshut’s ability to compete in high-stakes situations cannot be underestimated, and the underdogs will be looking to make a statement in this pivotal match.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
1. **Kevin Gaudet vs. Markus Kink** – The battle between the experienced offensive leader of Ravensburg, Kevin Gaudet, and Landshut's blue-line maestro Markus Kink could well define the pace of the game. Gaudet is adept at creating space and finding teammates in high-danger areas, while Kink’s power-play distribution and offensive zone presence could exploit any lapses in defensive coverage. The outcome of this matchup will hinge on which player can impose their will and dictate the flow of play.
2. **Shawn Weller vs. Timo Pielmeier** – Both goaltenders are integral to their team's success. Weller has been in excellent form, and his ability to make key saves under pressure will be crucial. On the other hand, Pielmeier’s ability to make crucial stops, particularly on the penalty kill, will determine if Landshut can remain in the game. This goaltender duel could easily be the deciding factor in the final scoreline.
3. **Power Play Opportunities** – Given both teams' strong power-play units, the team that manages to capitalize on these opportunities will gain a significant edge. Ravensburg's 24% power play efficiency will square off against Landshut’s 25.7%, meaning that both teams need to stay disciplined and avoid giving the opposition easy chances to gain momentum.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Expect this game to be a tense and physical affair, with both teams emphasizing their defensive systems while looking for opportunities to break out on the counterattack. Ravensburg’s ability to pressure the puck and force turnovers in the neutral zone will likely be their key to success, as Landshut can struggle when pinned in their defensive zone. However, Landshut’s quick transition play and the creativity of Kink on the power play will keep Ravensburg on their toes.
Ultimately, the game will come down to execution in special teams situations. If Ravensburg can suppress Landshut’s power play and take advantage of their own, they should edge out a victory. However, Landshut’s ability to create chaos in front of the net and the sharp reflexes of Pielmeier may keep them within striking distance.
Prediction: Ravensburg Towerstars 4-3 Landshut (Regulation)
Final Thoughts
As Ravensburg Towerstars take on Landshut, this game is set to be an intense battle that could have serious implications for both teams' playoff aspirations. The match will likely be decided by key power play moments, the battle of the goaltenders, and which team can impose their tactical style over the other. Ravensburg’s stronger overall form and home-ice advantage give them the edge, but Landshut’s resilience and dangerous special teams could yet pull off an upset. Can Ravensburg continue their dominance, or will Landshut rise to the occasion and silence the Towerstars? Only the ice will tell.
