Vaxjo try to stop hot Zurich Lions

ZSC Lions Zurich face the Vaxjo Lakers in a series between two teams that are in the Quarter-Finals for the first time in this incarnation of the CHL and looking to go further. Of course, the Lions have tasted success on the European stage before, winning the original version of the CHL in 2008-09. The Lakers' biggest accomplishment as a club was winning the SHL title in 2014-15, but would like some international hardware to join the Le Mat Trophy on their trophy case. Not only is this the first time these teams have met, but the two teams don't have much experience against the opposite country. This is the first time Vaxjo have faced Swiss opposition in the CHL, while Zurich faced Farjestad in a couple of group-stage games a couple years ago, losing both games in extra time.

The Lions go into this game having dropped some points lately in their own league, and while losing in regulation is rare they have come unstuck in overtime and shootouts of late, or failed to win in 60 minutes. Both sides are .500 in their last four games, with the Lakers having lost two of their last three games.

“I consider them a very strong side,” affirmed Lions’ head coach Hans Wallson earlier this week. The former Skelleftea bench boss is well familar with Vaxjo from the SHL, where the two teams met in the 2015 league finals.

“We know that we’re going to play against a very good team, perhaps one of the best in Europe, so it’s going to be two really tough games. It’s going to be fun, definitely,” said Vaxjo goaltender Victor Andren. “You have always heard that Swiss teams are really skilled. Maybe not the same structure that we have here in Sweden but really good and skilled players. We expect to play against a very good opponent.”

Read more on the series here.