The National League play-off final begins Friday evening at Les Vernets. Between Genève-Servette and Bienne, the two best teams of the season, it is difficult if not impossible to identify a favorite.
There will therefore be a new champion since the introduction of the play-offs in 1986. Because neither Geneva nor Biel have won a title since the start of the playoffs. Geneva has already made it to the final 3 times (2008, 2010 and 2021) and lost 3 times.
On the other hand, Biel has already celebrated Swiss championship titles. But you have to take your time machine and go back to 1978, 81 and 83 to find traces of it. Forty years of famine, a long crossing of the desert which the Seelanders hope to put an end to.
Dominant Guardians
In view of the forces present, it must be recognized that no club stands out clearly. At the time of distributing the good points, we have the strange feeling that the advantages cancel each other out as they are minimal.
In goal, Harri Säteri has proven his worth throughout the season. The Finn has the most shutouts (9) among National League goalkeepers, and that’s no coincidence.
Opposite, it is Robert Mayer (94.3% saves) who defends the strong garnet. Entering the series once morest Lugano despite very good performances from Gauthier Descloux, the goalkeeper with Czech roots has made himself indispensable. With his cane game, Mayer offers interesting recovery possibilities.
Bench depth versus experience
In front of Säteri, the Biel defense is effective. Symbol of the reliable defender, the Swede Viktor Lööv reassures everyone. And with veterans like Beat Forster, Robin Grossmann or Noah Schneeberger, there is no shortage of experience in the Bernese ranks. The 3 men have already won titles, and this factor can prove decisive in the final.
At Les Vernets, Henrik Tömmernes and Sami Vatanen shine with a thousand lights. Elegant, goalscorers, the 2 imports can tip a meeting on a brilliant inspiration. And with Simon Le Coultre and Roger Karrer, coach Jan Cadieux has other weapons. Speaking of coaches, the announcement of the discovery of new cancer cells in Biel coach Antti Törmänen had the effect of mobilizing everyone around the Finn.
This duel might well be decided with the special situations. The Eagles’ power-play inspires fear with talents such as Linus Omark, Teemu Hartikainen, Valtteri Filppula, Daniel Winnik and the 2 defenders already mentioned. Luckily for the Biel, their shorthanded game is one of the best in the National League, which makes the confrontation even more enticing.
Depth on the Geneva side, stability in the Zealand ranks, this final promises a great show in any case.
ats/nm
