The last time Frölunda Gothenburg and Eisbären Berlin faced off was back during the 2016/17 Champions Hockey League season. The Swedes got the upper hand twice, winning 6-1 and 4-1. Since then the team from Gothenburg went on to qualify for another six CHL seasons, but Berlin haven't been far behind, with four qualifications. The DEL champions have been running hot the last two seasons, picking up back-to-back domestic league titles. 

In their opening game against French rivals Grenoble, Berlin dominated early with two goals, but it was the second period where they clawed down any hope of a close game, adding five more to their tally, and a single in the third. Canadian forward Zach Boychuk, who suits up for his second season with the German side, was on fire netting a pair of goals and assists each.

Frölunda, somewhat tamer in comparison, managed a close game against Czech contenders Mountfield HK. After a sluggish and goalless first period, the Swedes found their scoring touch, netting three in the second and eventually taking the game 4-2. Forward Max Friberg led the offensive charge, netting two goals and one assist in his first game of the season.  

With a dominant first game ticked off, Berlin are no doubt ready to tackle the most successful team in CHL history. Can they rattle Frölunda and secure a second win, or are the Swedes just getting warmed up?