Nitra Survive Poprad Fightback to Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead

HK Nitra weathered a spirited Poprad comeback to claim a dramatic 5-4 victory in Game 4 of their Extraliga semi-final series on 8 April 2026, putting themselves one win from the final with a 3-1 series advantage.

Poprad Stun Nitra With Blistering Start

A partisan crowd of 4,233 inside the Zimny stadion in Poprad were given exactly what they wanted when the home side flew out of the blocks. Bodak opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalising on quick work from Naus and Sotek to put Poprad ahead. The lead was doubled just seven minutes later when Bjaloncik finished off a move crafted by Calof and Sproul to make it 2-0, with the rink in full voice as Nitra's title aspirations seemed momentarily shaken.

The regular-season champions struck back before the period was out, however. Cederle pulled one back in the 17th minute — Graham and Bucek combining on the assist — to send the teams into the first intermission with Poprad holding a 2-1 advantage. The stage was set for a dramatic middle period.

Nitra's Second-Period Blitz Turns the Match

The second period was the making of Nitra. Three goals in 11 minutes completely overturned the deficit and sent the visitors into the final frame with a two-goal cushion. Jackson levelled at 28:00, converting a move involving Passolt and Vitalos, before Hrnka put Nitra ahead for the first time at 32:00 — Chrenko and Turansky combining for the assists. Passolt then all but sealed the period with Nitra's fourth goal at 39:00, set up by Jackson, to make it 4-2 heading into the third.

It was a stunning reversal. The same Nitra who had trailed 0-2 twenty-five minutes earlier now had a two-goal advantage, and Poprad needed another comeback of their own.

Poprad Roar Back — But Bucek's Winner Holds

Poprad gave everything in the third period and nearly forced overtime. Torok pulled one back in the 46th minute, converting a move from Lefebvre and Bodak, then Cracknell made it 4-4 at 54:00 to send the arena into uproar. But Nitra had already put daylight between themselves at 49:00 — Bucek burying his goal off assists from Graham and Chrenko to restore the lead. Despite Poprad's late equaliser attempt, the scoreline remained 5-4 in favour of the visitors.

Nitra also had to play part of the match with reduced options after Mezei received a 5-minute major plus game misconduct. The away side's resilience in managing the disruption underlined their composure and depth.

What It Means

Nitra hold a 3-1 series lead and will have their first opportunity to clinch a place in the Extraliga final when the series moves to their home ice for Game 5. Poprad's performance — particularly their electric first period and determined third-period recovery — showed they are a match for the champions, but the arithmetic is now firmly against them. Three consecutive wins are required to keep their season alive.