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Rapperswil-Jona and EVZ can double up and are 2-0 up in their quarter-final series thanks to away wins. Meanwhile, Lausanne dramatically equalizes against Friborg and ZSC Lions get their first win against Biel in the second overtime.
Chris Baltisberger redeems the Lions
The ZSC Lions reduce the quarter-final series against Biel to 1:2. Chris Baltisberger scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute. After 16 goals were scored in the first two matches in this series, this time there were no goals to be seen in regular time, so that, like on Friday, extra time had to bring the decision, this time even the second. The first started extremely spectacularly, in the first seven minutes both teams missed two top chances – for example ZSC striker Sven Andrighetto failed on the post (66th). The fact that Zurich got the better end of the game this time is thanks to Chris Baltisberger, who scored with a precise shot.
In the first two thirds more ice hockey was worked on than anything else. If there were still one or the other good chance in the first 20 minutes, there were few in the second half. After the second break, only Biel played at first – also benefiting from two penalties against the Lions. In the meantime, the shot ratio in the third period was 13:1 in favor of the guests (total 17:6; after 40 minutes 15:15). In the 44th minute, for example, strong ZSC keeper Jakub Kovar made a miraculous save against Miks Indrasis. The people of Zurich only had a short good phase in this section.
Hapless Lugano succumbs to Zug
HC Lugano has been unsuccessful in the quarter-finals against Champion Zug after a strong series of rounds of 16 against Servette (2-0 wins). The Luganesi also lose the second game of the series with 2:6. HC Lugano created chances to win both games. But Leonardo Genoni found his playoff form early on. With 40 saves Genoni hexed EVZ to 2:1 after extra time on Friday. And also on Sunday evening Genoni laid the basis for the away win with 35 saves. Genoni clearly won the duel against Niklas Schlegel (27 saves, 6 goals conceded).
Lugano controlled the game for 40 minutes, but only managed to equalize 1-1 in the 37th minute through Giovanni Morini outnumbered. Shortly thereafter, however, the Luganesi Raphael Herburger and Alessio Bertaggia made stick fouls, which Christian Djoos (2:1) and Fabrice Herzog (3:1) made possible within 59 seconds at the beginning of the final section, the more than decisive power play hits. Yannick Zehnder scored two goals for Zug. After the decision had been made, Lugano’s leaders tried to set individual signs with a view to the third game. Whether these provocations are enough to throw the efficient EV Zug off course will be seen in the continuation on Tuesday.
Lausanne creates a late turning point
In extremis, the Lausanne Hockey Club equalizes the quarter-final series against Gottéron. Lausanne beat Freiburg 5-4 after extra time. With 32.9 seconds remaining, Friborg was leading 4:3. Then Ken Jäger, already one of the best in form from Lausanne in the last few weeks, saved his team with a 4:4 equalizer. By then, Lausanne had already replaced their goalkeeper with an additional striker.
Both teams didn’t risk much in overtime. Friborg was able to play a power play for two minutes. In the 72nd minute, however, Lausanne scored the winning goal. Francis Paré aimed perfectly and sunk the puck into the crossbar. Before the game, Lausanne coach John Fust had surprised with a goalkeeper change. Tobias Stephan, who lost the first round of 16 against Ambri, stood in front of the Lausanne goal for Luca Boltshauser. Stephan justified the trust with 35 saves.
The Lakers double against Davos
HC Davos is in playoff trouble again. The Grisons also lost the second game of the quarter-final series against the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers 4-1. As in Game 1, Gian-Marco Wetter – a player who didn’t get a chance in Davos – stabbed his ex-team in the heart. Wetter conquered the target in the offensive zone in the 45th minute and thus initiated the 2-1 for the Lakers (through Sandro Forrer). And six and a half minutes later, Wetter scored the 3-1 win, ahead of Sandro Aeschlimann.
Wetter scored three goals and one assist for Rapperswil-Jona in the first two playoff games. Roman Cervenka also scored two goals for the Lakers on Sunday evening. So the Lakers are again on course for the semifinals under Stefan Hedlund. A year ago, the Lakers were criticized for letting Jeff Tomlinson as coach (to Kloten) after a successful season (with a sensational semi-final qualification). In the meantime, Hedlund has been voted “Coach of the Year” by the coaches and captains of the National League clubs.