Jellus Overtime Winner Keeps Kosice Alive as Game 6 Thriller Forces Decider

Kosice kept their Tipsport Liga season alive with a breathtaking 3-2 overtime victory at Banska Bystrica on March 28, 2026, denying the hosts a series-clinching win in Game 6 of their quarterfinal playoff tie.

A Frantic First Period Sets the Tone

Banska Bystrica came out with intent, and T. Zigo opened the scoring at the seventh minute with a clinical power-play finish, helped by C. Turnbull and A. Lucas. The early lead was exactly what the hosts needed to settle nerves in a potential clincher.

However, the period quickly unravelled for the home side. R. Faith was sent off on a five-minute major and game misconduct for an illegal check to the head just three minutes after Zigo's opener — a massive blow that would affect the home team's bench depth for the rest of the night. Kosice made the most of the extended power play, with M. Rosandic slamming in the equaliser at the 14th minute to make it 1-1 at the first intermission.

Second Period: Back and Forth Drama

The second period delivered more of the same tension and quality that has defined this extraordinary playoff series. Bystrica restored their lead five minutes in, with O. Galipeau tapping home from close range as Turnbull and Lucas combined again to create the chance. The home crowd dared to believe.

Kosice refused to submit. M. Liscinsky, set up by M. Bucko, levelled at the 14th minute to make it 2-2. The visitors had done it again — each time Bystrica looked to pull clear, Kosice found an answer.

Goalless Third Period Sends Match to Overtime — Again

A cagey, goalless third period produced few clear-cut opportunities as both teams defended resolutely while probing for the decisive opening. For the fifth time in the six-game series, an overtime period was required.

Jellus Delivers the Killer Blow

The match was settled five minutes into overtime. S. Jellus, who had been penalised for interference in the very first minute of the contest, redeemed himself spectacularly by firing the overtime winner past the Bystrica netminder to give Kosice a 3-2 victory.

What It Means

The result ties the series at 3-3 and shifts the momentum decisively towards Kosice, who now take home-ice advantage into a deciding Game 7. For Bystrica, the pain of surrendering a series clinch on home ice will sting — but the hosts retain a chance to reach the semifinals. The deciding match was set for Monday, March 30 at the Košice arena, where the home side will carry the backing of their fans for the final time this season.