After the first game of the Quarter-Final against the Vaxjo Lakers, ZSC Lions Zurich forward Roman Wick explained what went right and wrong for his team. 

by Andreas Reiner and Derek O'Brien

ZURICH – It may have been a case that both teams were so prepared for each other and played so disciplined that they just couldn't get a chance to score. ZSC Lions Zurich coach Hans Wallson is from the Swedish Hockey League and knew what to expect from the Vaxjo Lakers – the team his Skelleftea AIK team fell to in the 2014-15 league finals. 

“Our coach gave us a great introduction of Vaxjo since he knew the team from last year. Nonetheless we were unable to score a goal,” said Roman Wick, Zurich's Cramo Top Scorer with 8 points heading into Tuesday's game. Like every other player on both teams, he was shut out in the first game of this Quarter-Final. 

Despite this, Wick felt good in the game and is confident his team can win next Tuesday in Sweden.

“The longer the game went on, the more comfortable I felt playing,” he said. “I realized that they play a completely different style compared to other teams in the NLA, but now we know how they play. We will be able to prepare a little better including video review so that we can score that important goal and win the series.”

The 30-year-old winger, who scored the overtime-winning goal in the Round of 16 against HC Lugano, went onto explain what makes the Lakers difficult to play against. 

“Their game is set to hold the puck. Their puck possession is extremely strong. As a forward it's difficult to play but at the same time, they didn't play a very physical game.”

Coach Wallson mentioned a lot of the things that the team did wrong after the game, and Wick concurs. “We had too many turnovers in the neutral zone and didn't create enough time for the offence. We need to dump the puck in their zone, chase it and fight for it with our physical game.”

It sounds simple, but maybe easier said than done as the team heads into hostile territory. As one of the offensive leaders, Wick will try to ignite the offence.

“We need a goal, it's that simple,” he said, looking ahead to the return game. “The winner takes it all and they have home advantage next week.”