EV Zug – HC Davos 3:0 (series 1:0)
A rested and calm defending champion EV Zug left no doubts at the beginning of the semi-final series once morest HCD who is the favourite. The people of Zug won 3-0 and immediately put the people of Graubünden in their place.
EV Zug was the only team to end the quarter-final series ( once morest Lugano) with a sweep. So EVZ had never lost in these playoffs. EVZ trainer Dan Tangnes said regarding the long break on SRF: “We trained well and we were able to recharge our batteries. But now we are happy that it’s finally going on.” However: The HCD had a run, turned the series once morest the Lakers following a 0:3 deficit. The Grisons are only the third team to achieve such a turnaround. But the people of Davos had already accomplished this feat in 2008.
Genoni with a faux pas
The hosts recorded the better start to the first game, the EVZ pushed the pace right from the start. However, the chance evaluation left a lot to be desired, also because the post saved in the 7th minute and a goal was disallowed due to a goalie obstruction. For their part, Davos only got their first real shot in the 13th minute.
The Davos weakened once more and once more with penalties. In the 25th minute it was too much of a good thing, the Grisons had to play twice outnumbered and Djoos put the favorites in the lead. Although Zug still had more of the game, HCD was not without danger. Because Zug goalie Genoni made a faux pas that the puck played away a little too laxly behind the goal, Ambühl almost kissed the hand, but he didn’t hit the puck properly.
A penalty was announced in the 50th minute, Zug still had the puck in their ranks and Kovar made it 2-0 before the start of the power play. Was that the decision? Yes. Because Davos took out goalie Aeschlimann three minutes before the end and conceded the empty netter by Senteler 34 seconds before the end – 3:0 for EV Zug at the start of the semifinals.
Fribourg-Gottéron – ZSC Lions 2:3 nV (Serie 0:1)
ZSC has never won a playoff series once morest Friborg before. In four duels, the Zurich team won just one of 16 games. This season, the balance between these two teams looked balanced – two home wins were recorded. The duel of the dragons vs. the lions is also a comparison of best powerplay versus best boxplay.
The first power play opened up for the home team in the 8th minute. It was already 1:1, Hollenstein had given the guests the lead (5th), DiDomenico equalized just 28 seconds later. But both the first and the second majority game of the dragons were not fruitful, the ZSC box play was stable. And since the Lions did not skort in numerical superiority either, it remained at 1:1 for the time being.
The middle third is quickly told: Although Friborg were allowed to play in the majority once more, there was not a goal to be admired by either side.
Malgin with the golden hit
In the final third, Diaz lost the disc while moving forward, Andrighetto made it 2-1 following just 50 seconds of play. This time the lead lasted a little longer, but Walser was able to equalize with a nice solo effort in the 49th minute.
Since no further goals were scored, it went into overtime, for Friborg already the fourth overtime in this playoff, for the Lions number 3. Both teams had several chances of victory, the hero ultimately became Malgin, who in the 82nd minute scored the winning goal. So the people of Zurich succeed in making the important break.
