The group stage of this season’s Champions Hockey League comes to a close today, with six games finishing the schedule. Only one will see a team eliminated; however, in several others seeding for the next round is at stake.

Staff writers

Tappara Tampere vs. EV Zug

Group B; Hakamesta Stadium, 15:00

It’s the end of the Champions Hockey League road this season for EV Zug as they head to Finland. The Swiss side cannot make the next round, however will be keen to avoid finishing without a point to their name. Their opponents Tappara are already through, but cannot overtake Djurgarden, who have already won the group.

Zug head coach Harald Kreis sees this game now as good practice for the NLA season starting next week, saying: “We must play as well as we did on Friday. Now it’s all about getting the best possible preparation for our domestic championship.”

Lukko Rauma vs. Lulea Hockey

Group K; Kibikylan Areena, 15:00

Two teams that know a lot about each other after last year’s competition meet for the final game of the group stage this year, both safe in the knowledge that they’ve made the next round. However, seeding for the playoffs is at stake, with Lukko taking a one-point advantage into the game. The previous meeting before these teams saw Lulea win 4-3, so the defending champions only need an overtime win to clinch top spot in the group.

HC Litvinov vs. Espoo Blues

Group F; Zimni Stadion Ivana Hlinky, 15:30

Litvinov are already assured of top spot in this group, but are playing for something special tonight - the chance to qualify with perfect record of four wins in as many games. With that in mind, they won’t be letting up. “We will play again with our best players,” said head coach Radim Rulik. “The only question is if Karel Kubat will be available. He was slightly injured after being hit by a puck.”

Red Bull Munich vs. KAC

Group H; Olympia-Eisstadion, 16:30

Klagenfurt head to Munich looking to avoid finishing without a win in their CHL debut season, after grabbing their first point in Kosice. The home side have already won the group, but also take to the ice trying to secure a perfect record in the opening round.

“It’s obviously disappointing that we can’t make the next round, but we want to turn this feeling into positive energy to go out of the competition with a good performance in Munich and hopefully three points,” said forward Thomas Hundertpfund. “We think we have a chance.”

Munich head coach Don Jackson was straight to the point in his pre-game analysis on the club’s official website: “We want to win,” he affirmed.

Black Wings Linz vs. Dusseldorfer EG

Group G; Keine Sorgen EisArena

Despite already being qualified, Dusseldorf travel to Linz knowing they’ll be backed by around 150 fans in Austria, and so will want to go out with a win. The game won’t change the standings for with team - Dusseldorf will finish as runners-up behind Turku and make the next round, while Linz will finish last in the group, however the Black Wings could bow out of the competition with their first win tonight.

Gap Rapaces vs. Eisbaren Berlin

Group P; Alp Arena, 18:00

The Eisbaren head to Gap knowing that they’re not entirely secure in reaching the next round, although it would take a big performance on behalf of the French side to do it. Gap would need to win and overturn the 6-1 deficit from Berlin to make it through, however that doesn’t mean their DEL opponents will be taking the game lightly. “Gap will be a hard game, they're a good skating and experienced team, and I'm expecting a tight game,” said Berlin head coach Uwe Krupp ahead of the game.