- SC Bern host the first leg against Luleå
- Bern finished second in a tight Group E to advance to the Playoffs
- Luleå topped Group C showing strong offense through the Group Stage
As the puck drops on the 2019/20 Champions Hockey League Playoffs, it's a big clash in the Round of 16 as SC Bern take on Luleå Hockey with their eyes on the next round, so a strong start will be important to both sides.
Bern will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season against a Swedish opponent in the first knockout round, suffering a big first leg defeat and ultimately crashing out. Instead, they'll be looking to make the Quarter-Finals for the first time since the 2016/17 CHL season. Since their last Group Stage game, it's not been the best run of form for the Swiss side. With just three wins in their last eight domestic games, they're going to need to quickly find their form heading into this contest, and they'll rely on fourth year player Mark Arcobello to provide that offensive spark they're going to need to try and get past their opponents.
It's been a while since Luleå were crowned European Champions back in the first season of the CHL, but the Swedish side will be looking to get off to a great start in this year's Playoffs if they're to try and reach the final again. They topped a very tough Group C, with a strong offensive showing from key figures like forwards Arttu Ilomäki and Petter Emanuelsson but defenceman Nils Lundkvist also provided six assists in the Group Stage. With the exception of their previous domestic game, Luleå have been fantastic in the SHL, with five out of six wins in their previous games since their last action in the CHL.