First-period play went from bad to worse for the Växjö Lakers who were outplayed from the opening minutes, giving up two goals within the first five minutes as they would go on to drop the First Game 4-1 to Genève-Servette who take a three-goal aggregate lead heading into the Return Game. The Swedes have a hill to climb but have the benefit of home ice advantage while Genève will be looking to continue their run with a visit to the Semi-Finals.

Entering the match-up, the Swedes were the heavy favourite, having dispatched German opponents ERC Ingolstadt with relative ease. Now, Växjö find themselves on the opposite end of a 4-1 First Game and will need to reestablish themselves in all three zones if they hope to continue their season into January. This starts with making their man-advantage count. Their 25.00% conversion rate is ranked third in the league, but Geneve’s first-ranked penalty kill (96.43%) demonstrated it’s efficiency, successfully killing off the Swedes’ sole powerplay of the night.

To their credit, Växjö did manage to outshoot Genève 29-23, but it was the quality of their shots which was lacking. The Swedes generated one high-danger opportunity compared to Genève’s four, where they were rewarded with a goal. Otherwise, they produced a staggering 53 low-quality chances as Växjö were unable to muster much pressure in their opponents’ end. Finding their rhythm in the offensive zone will only help a team that’s currently producing the second-most goals for per game with 4.11.

From Genève’s side, maintaining dominance on defence will be their key to moving on. After letting up three goals in their First Game against Red Bull Munich, the Swiss have allowed a combined two goals on 50 total shot attempts. Netminder Robert Mayer has been lights out for a Swiss squad that is currently third in the league in goals against per game with 2.11.

Add to that their uptick in offence – seven goals in that same span – and you have a team that’s checking all the boxes as Genève's continued to receive production from their top players.

30-year-old Tanner Richard, who recorded his second goal and twelfth point of the season in the First Game, is currently leading all CHL players in total points and has been a driving force all season for the Swiss. Likewise, Sami Vatanen has been as advertised on the blueline with one goal and eight assists.