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In the fight for the championship title, a 7th game must bring the decision. It seems clear who has the advantage now.
6 games, 6 home wins: In the playoff final series between the ZSC Lions and Lausanne, the home team once again clinched victory on Saturday evening. With their backs against the wall, the people from Vaud fended off Zurich’s first match puck with an impressive performance – and thus earned the chance to also reach for the trophy.
This makes it clear: On Tuesday, the Swiss ice hockey champions will be crowned in an all-important seventh game. «They are two very good, complete teams, we have a similar style of hockey. It’s great for Swiss ice hockey when you have a final like that,” said Jason Fuchs, who increased Lausanne’s lead to 4-0 in a fantastic middle third.
A victory abroad is necessary
But Fuchs also knows that the advantage now supposedly lies with the ZSC Lions. The Zurich team were able to present at home three times, and Lausanne followed suit three times in front of their home crowd. If the Vaudois team is to win the title for the first time, they have to get their first win in Zurich.
«When you play at home, you have your routine, your fans. That definitely gives a little more energy. Now we have to change that and find a solution on Tuesday to win in Zurich,” said Fuchs. The center is certain: Details will then decide whether to win or lose. “The defensive zone will be important. And if you have a power play, you have to book. We have the team for it and we can and will win this trophy.”
Baltisberger wants the first bucket at home
The emotional situation at the Lions on Saturday evening was somewhat different than that of the euphoric Lausanne residents. After the nightmarish middle third with four goals conceded, the frustration was briefly deep, but the Zurich team didn’t want to talk things down. “The disc cracked a bit for them, but they finished it well,” said Chris Baltisberger.
The Zurich team particularly emphasized the last third. “We have to play exactly like that again in Game 7, then it will be good,” said Baltisberger, who had initiated the attempt to catch up with the 1:5. For the ZSC striker, it would be the fourth championship title with the Zurich team after 2012, 2014 and 2018.
The anticipation of a decisive 7th match on Tuesday at home can be felt at Baltisberger. He has never experienced that in 14 seasons with the ZSC Lions. “Now we finally have one at home, it’s cool,” he assures. “And honestly, that’s good for Swiss hockey.” At least on this matter there is agreement between the people of Zurich and Lausanne.