Heading into the Return Game of this Round of 16 match-up between Färjestad Karlstad and EHC Biel-Bienne, Färjestad are in a favourable position following a 5-3 away win in the First Game last week in Switzerland. The two teams twice traded goals in the first half of the game before the Swedish team reeled off three straight goals. A late powerplay goal for Biel-Bienne gives them a bit more hope heading into the Return Game on the road.

The shots on goal were 30-30 but Färjestad were more efficient in their shooting. Färjestad dominated on faceoffs (33 to 23) and blocked shots (18 to 13) but Biel-Bienne were the more physical team, out-hitting their opponents 6-2.

Victor Ejdsell scored two goals on five shots for Färjestad, David Tomášek was 12-for-16 on faceoffs, and Jonathan Andersson was a workhorse on defence, logging 20:05. Ejdsell, Tomášek, Michael Lindqvist and defenceman Joel Nyström all have six CHL points for Färjestad this season.

Toni Rajala scored a goal on five shots for Biel-Bienne – the Finn is now the CHL leader with 30 shots on goal this season. Yannick Rathgeb blocked two shots and is the CHL co-leader with 16. Rathgeb, fellow defenceman Ville Pokka, as well as forwards Jere Sallinen and Tino Kessler lead Biel-Bienne with five points each.

Since last week’s First Game, each team played twice domestically. Färjestad lost 4-2 to Linköping HC before shutting out Örebro Hockey 3-0. Färjestad have a five-point lead atop the Swedish Hockey League standings with 37 points in 18 games. In Switzerland, Biel-Bienne beat EHC Kloten 3-2 in overtime but then lost 5-1 to Geneve-Servette. They currently sit 12th in the 14-team National League with 25 points in 22 games.