In a thrilling round of games on March 5, 2026, the Swiss National League saw significant developments as SC Bern secured a place in the Play-Ins, although Genève-Servette clinched their playoff spot with an impressive victory. Both teams demonstrated resilience and skill, marking a pivotal moment in the league’s final stretch.
SC Bern emerged victorious in a closely contested match against EV Zug, winning 2-1 after a penalty shootout. This victory was crucial for Bern, especially following two recent home defeats to Kloten and Biel. Goalie Sandro Zurkirchen played a key role, stopping 28 shots and successfully managing to save three penalty shots during the shootout. Meanwhile, Zug’s Leonardo Genoni faced 24 shots and was unable to match Zurkirchen’s performance in the decisive moments.
The match attracted a crowd of 15,553 spectators at the PostFinance Arena, showcasing the continuing popularity of ice hockey in Switzerland. The scoring opened with a power-play goal by Zug’s Diaz in the third minute, but Bern equalized with a goal from Scherwey in the 28th minute. The penalty shootout saw Bern take the lead, ultimately sealing their place in the Play-Ins with a crucial two points.
In a contrasting performance, Genève-Servette secured their playoff qualification with a 5-3 win against Biel at home. This victory was their third consecutive win, demonstrating their resurgence after two challenging seasons. The game, played in front of 7,135 fans, saw notable contributions from players other than their usual Finnish scorers, a welcome development for the team. Jesse Puljujärvi opened the scoring for Servette, followed by goals from Marco Miranda, Josh Jooris, Simas Ignatavicius, and Noah Rod, effectively sealing the game.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, both teams are positioning themselves for the upcoming playoff challenges. Bern’s recent performance highlights their potential to make a significant impact in the Play-Ins, while Servette’s return to form suggests they could be a force to reckon with in the playoffs.
Match Highlights
- SC Bern vs. EV Zug
- Final Score: 2-1 (after penalties)
- Goals: Diaz (Zug), Scherwey (Bern)
- Key Players: Sandro Zurkirchen (Bern) with 28 saves, Leonardo Genoni (Zug) with 24 saves.
- Genève-Servette vs. Biel
- Final Score: 5-3
- Goals: Puljujärvi, Miranda, Jooris, Ignatavicius, Rod (Servette); Hofer (Biel) scored twice.
- Key Players: Effective scoring from diverse team members, breaking the Finnish scoring trend.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs approach, SC Bern and Genève-Servette will need to maintain their momentum. Bern will focus on refining their play to better tackle the challenges of the Play-Ins, while Servette aims to build on their recent successes to establish themselves as serious contenders in the playoff rounds. Fans can look forward to an exciting conclusion to the regular season as teams vie for positioning and playoff readiness.
What are your thoughts on the performances of SC Bern and Genève-Servette? Share your opinions and predictions for the upcoming playoffs!
