Petráš Heroics Give Košice Stunning Overtime Win at Slovan Bratislava — Game 1

HC Košice stunned the Zimný štadión Ondreja Nepelu crowd on April 5, 2026, defeating HC Slovan Bratislava 3-2 in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in their Tipsport liga semi-final series. Šimon Petráš was the hero, scoring twice in the final 16 minutes — including a 64th-minute overtime winner — to hand Bratislava a painful home defeat they had not suffered against Košice in more than two years.

First Period: Slovan Seize the Advantage

Slovan carried all the early energy before 6,360 supporters. On the 10th minute, Vojtech Zeleňák capitalised on a slick combination from Radovan Varga and Tomáš Marcinko, slotting home to put the hosts in front. Košice were contained and struggled to create clear chances, allowing Bratislava to carry a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Second Period: Back and Forth Drama

Košice came out sharper in the second stanza. Marek Bučko and Oleg Plokhotnik combined to release Marek Liščinský in the 24th minute, and his precise finish levelled the contest at 1-1. Slovan did not panic. Just ten minutes later, Radosław Dmowski restored the lead — converting a fine team move built by Luca Pecararo and Peter Bačik to make it 2-1. After 40 minutes the home side looked in control.

Third Period: Petráš Turns the Tide

The drama shifted irreversibly in the third period. A brilliant combination involving Sebastian Jellúš and Tomáš Mikúš freed Šimon Petráš in the 54th minute, and the Košice forward showed cool composure to level the match at 2-2. The noise that had rolled around the arena in support of Slovan fell away. Regulation expired with the score tied, setting up a sudden-death overtime.

Overtime: Petráš Delivers the Knockout Blow

The extra period lasted only three and a half minutes. In the 64th minute, Tomáš Mikúš again provided the key pass and Šimon Petráš did not miss — burying his second goal of the night to complete an emphatic comeback and send Košice's travelling support into celebration.

What It Means

Košice's victory is a significant psychological blow to Slovan Bratislava. The hosts had not lost to their great rivals on home ice since 2023, and had finished the regular season eight points clear of Košice in the standings. Surrendering a lead twice — and then losing in overtime — raises questions ahead of Game 2, also scheduled in Bratislava. For Košice, an away win in Game 1 of a best-of-7 is exactly the platform their season aspirations required.