- EV Zug wins game 4 of the playoff quarter-final series against the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers 3-0.
- Grégory Hofmann puts Zug in the lead, Dario Simion and Justin Abdelkader double in the final third.
- Zug has a 3-1 lead in the series and still needs a win to advance to the semi-finals.
- The ZSC Lions get the break in Davos.
It’s a scene that, in retrospect of this game, should still be a source of discussion, especially on the part of Rapperswil-Jonas. In the 51st minute, Zug’s Jan Kovar and Lakers striker Jeremy Wick made an interlude in the neutral zone. While Kovar got away without consequences for his borderline provocations – including the Czech pushing his opponent in the back – Wick was sent to the penalty box for two minutes for hitting him with a stick.
After 29 seconds, Zug made it 2-0 thanks to Dario Simion. The striker was there after a rebound in front of Melvin Nyffeler. A reaction from the Lakers failed against the clarified Zug defensive. Justin Abdelkader made the final decision three minutes before the end with an Empty-Netter. With this, the EVZ could make the semi-final entry perfect on Friday.
Tame start
After three hateful duels, the teams initially showed their disciplined side. The home team recorded slight advantages, but the really big chances didn’t materialize for the time being. Just in a phase in which the guests from Rapperswil-Jona were becoming more dangerous, Zug celebrated the opening goal. Grégory Hofmann, who had moved into Zug’s first offensive line, skilfully completed a remarkable solo game to make it 1-0. Lakers defender Leandro Profico had previously initiated the Zug attack with a bad pass that had serious consequences.
Legend:
Scored one goal each for Zug
Gregory Hofmann and Dario Simion.
Benjamin Soland / freshfocus
The niceties were over after the middle of the game at the latest. In this phase, the 7,200 spectators in the sold-out Zug ice rink saw the best scenes of the game. First the disc hit the Lakers case (34th), a little later Zug’s defender Nico Gross slipped as the last man. Sandro Forrer and Nico Dünner were able to attack the Zuger Tor alone, but failed because of Leonardo Genoni, who was quickly shifting.
The Zug goalkeeper could not be defeated in the final third either. He made 22 saves for his 5th shutout of the season.