In the first quarterfinal match of the Baltic League, Estonian ice hockey club HC Panter suffered a defeat against Liepaja with a score of 1:4. Liepaja started strong, taking a two-goal lead in the first period, which they extended to three early in the final period. HC Panter managed to score their only goal through Rico-Marder Velja, assisted by Rasmus Kiige and Nikita Puzakovi, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

The next game in the series is set to take place in Tallinn on Sunday, followed by another match in Latvia two days later. If Liepaja wins both games, they will secure their place in the semifinals. Historically, these two teams have faced each other five times during the regular season, with Liepaja winning every encounter by a margin of at least three goals. This trend poses a significant challenge for HC Panter as they aim to turn the tide in the upcoming matches.

This series is crucial for HC Panter, as it represents a vital opportunity for them to advance in the Baltic League. The outcome could impact the team's morale and its fans, and given the historical performance against Liepaja, HC Panter will need to address their weaknesses and come back stronger in the next match to keep their championship hopes alive.