The Rouen Dragons face Ilves Tampere at Patinoire Nathalie Péchalat in their fifth match-up of the 2024/25 Champions Hockey League season. With both teams struggling so far this year, they’ll both be eager to secure their first full set of points from this game.

Home team Rouen have had a tough start, losing all four of their games so far. Their most recent defeat was a 4-2 loss to Pinguins Bremerhaven. Defensively, Rouen have had major issues, conceding nearly five goals per game, while only managing to score an average of two. To stand a chance against the Finns, they’ll need to improve on both ends of the ice.

Ilves haven’t fared much better, posting a 1-3 win-loss record. Their sole victory came in overtime on Game Day 1 against Poland's Unia Oświęcim. Like Rouen, they have struggled defensively, also allowing close to 5 goals per game hit the back of their net. Their offence has been weak, and they’ve underperformed on the powerplay, converting just three of 24 opportunities.

Both teams have faced their share of difficulties, but this game offers a chance for each to turn their season around.

Keep an eye on Ilves’ forward Eemeli Suomi who has tallied three goals and three assists, and Rouen’s forward Jared Dmytriw with three goals and two assists.