Vaxjo & Zurich search for first goal of series

There were no goals in the first game between the Lions and Lakers last Tuesday in Zurich. We know, however, that there will be at least one goal in the return game in Vaxjo – whether or not that comes in the first 60 minutes is another matter, however.

“Overall I think it was an unemotional game, petty low-paced,” Zurich head coach Hans Wallson said about the first game. “It was two teams playing something of a chess match – just staying in their positions and waiting for the other to make a mistake. There weren't many mistakes and the penalty killing was good for both teams.”

“I think we played a good game,” said Lakers' assistant coach Fredrik Hellgren, who was the main bench boss in the first game because head coach Sam Hallam came down ill. Hallam should be ready to go on Tuesday. “We weren't really there for the first eight minutes, then we killed a couple of penalties. That woke us up and then we pressed better the rest of the game. (We had) good penalty killing, but it's too bad we didn't get more done on our power plays.”

Obviously, both teams will try to maintain their strong defence in the second game, while at the same time generate some offence. 

“We had too many turnovers in the neutral zone and didn't create enough time for the offence. We need to dump the puck in their zone, chase it and fight for it with our physical game,” said Zurich Top Scorer Roman Wick. “We need a goal, it's that simple. The winner takes it all and they have home advantage.”