One goal separates the Swiss and the Swedes as Adam Åhman and the Växjö Lakers secured the shutout against Fribourg-Gottéron in the First Game of their Champions Hockey League Round of 16 series. For Fribourg, this could be their chance to move past this stage of the pan-European competition for the first time in some time, while Växjö have a chance to go on to the Quarter-Finals for a fourth time.

Last week, it was all defence between these two clubs as neither gave the other much room to make anything happen with shots at a premium from puck drop. The Swiss were only able to manage 14 through 60 minutes, but despite the diminutive sample size, Åhman and co. were tested with some quality chances. On the opposing bench, Växjö did well to test Reto Berra and were even able to best him on a shot from Elias Rosén.

Contrary to their performance against Växjö, Fribourg have shown that they have an aptitude for finding the net as they boast one of the better offences in the CHL this season. The Swiss side's 3.29 goals for per game has them in eighth place in the CHL and they've scored three or more goals in five out of their seven contests, including potting nine tallies against Eisbären Berlin during their Regular Season match-up. Regaining that scoring touch will be the key that could send the Swiss beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign.

Having the likes of three-time CHLers Marcus Sörensen - who sits sixth in scoring with ten points (2G, 8A) - and Lucas Wallmark who has eight points (1G, 7A), is a good start, but more from the D-men should be expected as their current point leader, Yannick Rathgeb, only has three points (1G, 2A) through seven contests.

As one of the lower scoring teams in the CHL, Växjö, who currently sit in 20th-place in goals for with 2.00, have had to rely on their defence to find success. This was the recipe they followed all season and it paid dividends in the First Game as they scored one and only needed one while they let their defence do the rest.

Going forward, this strategy may be their best bet once again as their blueline, unlike their offence, has been consistent. While they've been among the worst offensively, the Swedes have been among the best defensively and currently sit tied for first in goals against with just 1.71, spearheaded by Ahman's play.

The 25-year-old netminder has been outstanding this season, going 3-1 with a 94.81 SV% and an incredible 1.27 GAA. Provided he gets the start between the pipes and Växjö orchestrate another defensive clinic, the Swedes could see themselves battling in the Quarter-Finals for a second consecutive year.