- EHC Biel defeated Tappara Tampere at home 6-3 thanks to two shorthanders and moved into the knockout phase.
- The Lakers lose away to the Swedish champions Växjö 2:3 nV, but get the point they need for the round of 16.
- Masters Geneva-Servette lost the last and no longer decisive game at Lukko Rauma 2:3.
In the duel between runner-up Biel and the Finnish champions and defending CHL champions Tappara Tampere – both behind expectations with 7 points after 5 games – it was still about everything. A win after 60 minutes and the round of 16 can still be planned.
In a tight game, the Bielers – namely Toni Rajala and Gaëtan Haas – made the decision in the last 10 minutes. Within 7 minutes, the Finn made it 6:3 with a brace and the captain with a remarkable shorthander.
After two thirds it was 3:3. Biel turned a 0:2 deficit into a 3:2 within just 4 minutes in the second period – thanks to a shorthander and two power play goals – but had to accept the 3:3 before the second break.
Efficient Lakers get the point they need
The starting position for the Lakers was clear: one point is enough to move into the round of 16. However, the leader of the Champions Hockey League and reigning Swedish champion Växjö was waiting for the St. Gallen team at the end.
In fact, the Swedes, who had only given up one point in their previous 5 games, dominated the game for long stretches and ultimately deservedly won 3-2 after extra time. 19-year-old striker Noah Östlund scored the winner after a minute and a half.
This no longer played a major role for the people of Rapperswil. With a 2-2 score after 60 minutes, they secured their place at the same time. They owed this primarily to their efficiency: after 22 minutes and Gian-Marco Wetter’s goal, the Lakers were 2-0 ahead despite fewer shots on goal. The hosts were able to equalize before the second siren and no more goals were scored in the third third.
Geneva has to bow to Lukko
In the last preliminary round game, Geneva-Servette lost 2:3 away to the Finnish representative Lukko Rauma. Because the Swiss champions had already qualified for the round of 16 a week ago and Lukko is already in the knockout phase, it was still a matter of getting a good starting position.
The “Grenats” lost the duel with the northerners primarily due to a botched start: after just 29 seconds, Servette goalie Robert Mayer had to allow himself to be defeated for the first time. Lukko striker Brayden Burke doubled 8 minutes later to make it 2-0 and 4 minutes later it was already 3-0 from the Finns’ perspective. After Tim Berni’s 2:3 (48th minute), there was renewed hope, but despite a goal shooting ratio of 41:22, Geneva was no longer able to make it into extra time.