Cracknell's OT Strike Stuns Nitra as Poprad Seize Game 1 of Semifinal

Poprad delivered one of the most dramatic results of the 2025-26 Slovak Extraliga playoffs, defeating top-seeded Nitra 4-3 in overtime on April 3, 2026 to take a surprise 1-0 series lead in the Tipsport Liga semifinal. Captain Adam Cracknell settled the match just 42 seconds into extra time with an unassisted goal that stunned the 3,495 home fans at Tipsport Arena and sent a warning to the rest of the competition.

Poprad Blitz First Period — Nitra Stun Them in the Second

The opening period was a disaster for Nitra. Poprad struck inside the 2nd minute through Peter Bjalončík — a neat finish from a Cracknell-Calof combination — and continued to press. Alex Šotek (11th minute) and Aurel Nauš (14th minute) added further goals within a blistering three-minute spell, exploiting Nitra's defensive vulnerabilities to race to a 3-1 lead. Sebastián Čederle had briefly levelled at 7 minutes, but Nitra's composure crumbled and Gadžiev was pulled from goal at the first intermission.

The second period was an entirely different story. Samuel Buček capitalised on a rebound at the 22nd minute, and three minutes later Matej Paulovič converted on the power play to restore parity at 3-3. Paulovič's finish — with assists from Krištof and Osburn — was the moment that turned the match and ignited the home crowd.

Tension, Stalemate, and Then Cracknell

A goalless third period stretched the tension to breaking point as both sides had chances but neither could find a winner. Nitra pressed, sensing the opportunity to steal a victory they had appeared to squander in the first period. Poprad held firm through disciplined defensive structure and the excellent saves of goalkeeper Dylan Ferguson.

Then, just 42 seconds into overtime, Adam Cracknell — the veteran Canadian who has been at the heart of everything Poprad have achieved this season — cut inside and beat Nitra's last line of defence to complete the upset. There was no denying the quality of the finish or the scale of the achievement.

What It Means

The result sends shockwaves through the Tipsport Liga. Nitra, who finished the regular season 26 points clear of Poprad, will need to regroup quickly before Game 2 in just two days' time, also at home. For Poprad, Cracknell's performance (goal and assist) and the mental strength shown to weather the second-period comeback are the hallmarks of a side that should not be underestimated. The series remains alive and wide open.

Sources:

• Nitra prehrávala už o dva góly — Sportweb Pravda
• Tipsport liga: Poprad zvládol prvé semifinále — Sportnet
• Hokejisti Popradu zvíťazili na ľade Nitry 4:3 — Denník N