Having played host in their First Game of the Round of 16, the Växjö Lakers will be making the trip to Finland to face Tappara Tampere in their Return Game.

Both clubs enter the fixture tied in aggregate scoring with a pair of tallies to their name, making this matchup one of the closer contests happening in the Round of 16. Tappara’s Tyler Morley opened the scoring but Växjö were able to answer back with two consecutive tallies thanks to Joel Persson and Emil Forslund. The Finns finished off the night with a goal by Topi Rönni as the two clubs enter this all-important matchup level with a chance to move on to the Quarter-Finals.

For the hosts, having home-ice advantage could be key. So far this season, Tappara have yet to lose in front of their home crowd as they’ve compiled a 3-0 record while scoring 12 goals in that span. The last time they played at home, the Finns defeated Swedish side Skellefteå AIK by a 4-2 final and will look to do the same to their other Swedish opponents.

Växjö played another solid defensive game in the First Game, killing off both of Tappara’s powerplays and conceding 27 shots on goal, two less than their own 29. Consequently, it will be Tappara’s burden of proof to find the net, especially on the man-advantage, against a penalty kill that's currently ranked first.

Växjö have their own cross to bear as they’ve been winless on the road this campaign. Though each contest has been close, with the club having never lost by more than two goals, the fact that the Swedes are lacking a win on foreign soil could prove to be a hurdle for them. Provided they can keep their special teams' play up and sustain a larger offensive zone presence, the six-time CHL participants could skate away with the upset and reach the Quarter-Finals for a third time.