On the verge of elimination in the semi-finals of the Swiss League, the Neuchâtelois won Act IV against Olten (5-4) and came back to 3-1 in the series.
© Urs Lindt/freshfocus
Oliver Achermann (left) as Adam Hasani looks on.
La Chaux-de-Fonds has not said its last word. The Neuchâtelois have almost no chance of qualifying for the Swiss League final but, this Sunday, they at least gave themselves the right to still believe in it. Defeated by Olten in the first three rounds of their semi-final (1-3, 2-5 and 1-4), they found themselves with their backs to the wall before Act IV. A defeat and it was the end of the season. Upon arrival, the HCC dismissed a first match point, winning 5-4.
Thierry Paterlini’s players got off to a flying start, Dubois opening the scoring in the 7th minute. Achermann (18th) then Döpfner (26th) drove the point home and if Schmuckli reduced the mark (29th), Petrini (33rd) as well as Andersons (39th) gave La Chaux-de-Fonds some margin. But Olten did not abdicate: in the third period, Nunn (46th and 52nd) and Scheidegger (59th) sowed a wave of panic in the Neuchâtel ranks. Fortunately for the latter, this “remontada” was too late to call into question the outcome of the match.
Now led 3-1 in the series, the HCC no longer has room for error. Act V is scheduled for this Tuesday, in Olten (7:45 p.m.).
In the other game, Kloten got closer to the final by beating Thurgau (3-2). The regular season leader, surprised at home during the first meeting, has since rectified the situation, scoring three successes in a row, and can validate his ticket for the last round on Tuesday.