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Presov Stage Stunning Comeback to Beat Humenne 4-3 in Overtime Thriller
Presov edge HC 19 Humenne 4-3 in overtime in the Tipsport Liga playoff, with Avtsin's double sealing a dramatic comeback.
Presov Stage Stunning Comeback to Beat Humenne 4-3 in Overtime Thriller
Presov overcame a two-goal first-period deficit to defeat HC 19 Humenne 4-3 after overtime on 2 April 2026, with Alexander Avtsin scoring twice to secure a vital three points in the Tipsport Liga promotion playoff.
First Period: Humenne Draw First Blood
The visitors from the Slovak Hockey League made a composed start at the Winter Stadium Presov. F. Vasko broke the deadlock at 13 minutes, finishing off a swift move assisted by F. Vrabel and R. Zitny to give Humenne a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes. Presov's goaltender Samuel Vyletelka later acknowledged the difficult opening: the home side were slow to react and paid the price.
Second Period: Presov's Remarkable Turnaround
The extraliga side emerged transformed after the first break. R. Bukarts halved the deficit just six minutes into the middle period, converting a pass from M. Indrasis and P. Fric. Four minutes later, T. Cormier capitalised on a Humenne penalty to restore parity on the power play — Indrasis and A. Berlyov providing the framework. Avtsin then put Presov in front for the first time at 14 minutes, with L. Hamracek picking up the assist.
Humenne were not done. At 17 minutes, A. Zekucia converted a power play of their own — Vrabel and Zitny combining once more — to level at 3-3. The period ended with all the tension intact.
Third Period and Overtime: Avtsin Wins It
Neither side could find a breakthrough in a tight third period. When overtime arrived, it took barely a minute to resolve: Avtsin collected passes from D. Kadyrov and Berlyov to fire home the winner and send the arena into celebration. His brace was the individual highlight of a remarkable contest.
What It Means
The victory lifted Presov to second place in the four-team baraze standings with six points, keeping them firmly on track for Tipsport Liga survival. HC 19 Humenne remain fourth with four points; the SHL club still harbour promotion hopes but must convert more chances against extraliga opponents to stay in the running. With nine rounds remaining, the eastern Slovak derby delivered everything fans could have hoped for.