- EHC Biel defeated Tabara Tampere at home 6-3 thanks to two shorthandeds and proceeded to the knockout stage.
- The Lakers lost away to Swedish champion Växio 2:3, but got the point they needed for the Round of 16.
- Masters Jennifer-Servette lost the last indecisive match to Lukko Rauma with a score of 2:3.
In the showdown between runners-up Biel and Finnish champion and defending champion Tabara Tampere – both behind expectations with 7 points after 5 matches – it was still all about it. A win can still be planned after 60 minutes and the round of 16.
In a tight game, the Belers – namely Toni Rajala and Gaetan Haas – made the decision in the final 10 minutes. Within 7 minutes, the Finn made it 6:3 with a brace and the captain with a brilliant shot.
After two thirds it was 3:3. Bale turned a 0:2 deficit into 3:2 inside just 4 minutes of the second half – thanks to two shorthanded goals and a brace – but had to settle for a 3:3 score before the second break.
An efficient Lakers team gets the point it needs
The Lakers’ early position was clear: one point was enough to advance to the round of 16. However, the leader of the Hockey League Champions and Swedish champion Växio was waiting for the St. Gallen team in the end.
In fact, the Swedes, who had lost just one point in their previous five matches, controlled the match for long periods and eventually won 3-2 after extra time. 19-year-old striker Noah Östlund scored the winning goal after a minute and a half.
This no longer plays a major role for the people of Rapperswil. After 60 minutes with a score of 2-2, they secured their place at the same time. They owe this primarily to their efficiency: after 22 minutes and a goal by Gian Marco Witter, the Lakers led 2-0 despite having 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 down to Lukko
In the last preliminary round match, Geneva Servette lost away to Finland’s Loko Rauma with a score of 2:3. Since the Swiss champions had already qualified for the round of 16 a week earlier, while Loco had already reached the knockout stage, it was still a matter of getting a good starting position.
“Grenats” lost the duel with the northerners primarily due to a failed start: after only 29 seconds, Servette goalkeeper Robert Meyer had to allow himself to be defeated for the first time. Lukko striker Brayden Burke doubled the lead 8 minutes later to make it 2-0 and 4 minutes later it was 3-0 from the Finns’ point of view. After Tim Burney’s goal 2:3 (48th minute), hope was renewed, but despite a shooting percentage of 41:22, the Geneva team could not reach extra time.
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