Lulea Hockey and Lukko Rauma were both perfect after four games each, and Lulea remains such after five and are clear to the next round. Lukko need only a point in the last game to join them. At the other end of the table, the Nottingham Panthers upset the Hamburg Freezers and the German side will look for revenge on home ice.

by Derek O'Brien, with contribution from Jon Rowson and Henrik Lundqvist

Even before the four teams hit the ice for Game Day 5, there were only two teams in this race – Lulea Hockey and Lukko Rauma – and those two teams faced off in Lulea both with perfect records in tact. Only one of those streaks could continue.

The score was tied 1–1 in the third period, but Jonathan Grandstrom scored the winning goal in the 45th minute, as Lulea took the game on home ice. Emil Sylvegard got a lucky bounce for a late goal to make it a 3–1.

"It was a bit of luck when I scored," said Sylvegard. "I actually tried to pass to Chris Abbott but the puck bounced off a skate into the net. On the other hand, I had a breakaway in the first period when I should have scored so it evens out a bit."

"We deserved the win. It was good to get a lot of practice on the power play. We play well on the power play but need to be more active in front of the net,"said Lulea's Lucas Wallmark, who opened the scoring on the power play in the second period. Describing his goal, he said it was a "great play from (Daniel) Zaar and Chris (Abbott). I sneaked down to the far post. Chris found me and I had an open net."

That outcome means that Lulea is through to the next round for sure and will win the group as long as they don't lose by more than two goals in Rauma on Game Day 6. Lukko, meanwhile, can guarantee a spot in the "sweet 16" with a point in the last game, but have a chance at the group title with a win by two or more goals.

Meanwhile, the other two teams in the group entered Game Day 5 winless. Again, one of those teams would end that streak and it was the Nottingham Panthers on home ice. Nathan Robinson and Robert Lachowicz each scored a goal and an assist for Nottingham. While Hamburg fired 35 shots at Craig Kowalski, they only beat him once, as their shooters continue to be snake-bitten in the CHL with only two goals in five games.

"It's unbelievable really," commented Lachowicz, who scored the insurance goal early in the third period. "In pre-season we knew they were going to be good teams. Despite the losses against Lulea we got confidence. It’s a great experience for the guys that came through the system."

"I am disappointed and angry about our performance," said Hamburg captain Thomas Oppenheimer at the other end of the emotional spectrum. "We just played poorly and made ​​stupid mistakes. That was not good enough, let's not beat around the bush. I'm sorry for our fans who made ​​the long journey here and supported us."

Hamburg will be looking to avenge that defeat and win their first CHL game on home ice, and a win by three or more goals will give them third place in the group. They'll do it with a new coach behind the bench, as the team seems to have turned a corner somewhat since Serge Aubin took over.

Group K standings

Schedule and results

Game Day 6 possibilities

For an explanation of how the final 16 teams are determined, click here.

Lulea Hockey: away vs Lukko. Already clinched at least a 2nd place wild-card spot. Clinch 1st place with 1 point, or 0 points if they lose by only 1 goal. Lose tie-breaker vs Lukko in the event of a 2-goal defeat based on last year's national championship finish.

Lukko Rauma: home vs Lulea. Clinch 1st place with 3 points, as long as they win by 2 or more goals. Clinch a 2nd place wild-card with 1 point. 2nd place wild-card still likely with 0 points, but not guaranteed. Win tie-breaker with Lulea in the even of a 2-goal win based on last year's national championship finish.