An OT goal to cap off an unlikely comeback had Sparta Prague advancing to their second Champions Hockey League Semi-Finals and now they prepare to go up against Swedish challenger Färjestad Karlstad in a two-game series that will send the winner onto the all-or-nothing Final.

Färjestad were stunned by a 3-1 loss in the First Game of their Quarter-Finals match-up against Red Bull Salzburg, but rebounded nicely in the Return Game, putting six past Atte Tolvanen in a convincing 6-0 win that saw them take the series 7-3 on aggregate. This result was punctuated by another standout performance from  Oskar Steen who registered three points on the night (1G, 2A) as the 26-year-old continues to produce for a potent Swedish club that sits second in wins this season with eight.

Still, Steen, who now has four goals and ten assists for 14 points through ten games CHL played, was not the only reason the Swedish side was able to move on to their first Semi-Finals appearance. Färjestad's success was also a product of their penchant for rising to the challenge in tense situations - something they've done with aplomb all season long.

Notwithstanding their follow-up performance against Salzburg, the Swedes have found ways to close out close contests as they've managed to win by two or fewer goals dating back to their Game Day 3 derby against Fehérvár AV19 where they defeated the Hungarians 3-1.

Having that ability to find ways to win could continue to prove vital for the Swedes moving forward. Add to that their first-ranked defence, which is only allowing 1.80 goals against per game and you have a confident club that only seems to be gaining more momentum.

The pendulum, however, swings both ways. This spells true for a Sparta club that was all but out of their QF series when Växjö Lakers' captain Joel Persson extended his club's advantage with less than five minutes to go in regulation. But some gutsy play coupled with a little bit of puck luck would not only help the Czechs eventually secure the equaliser, but also a dramatic OT game-winner courtesy of Jani Lajunen.

For Sparta, staying consistent has been an issue all season long as evidenced by their 5-1-4 record. Yet, like Färjestad, the Czechs have also excelled at playing desperate hockey when the situation demands it. While their offence continues to look for improvement, their defence continues to be among the best in the league and their netminders remain rock solid. Since giving up three tallies to Eisbären Berlin back on Game Day 4, Sparta's netminders have held their opponents to two or fewer goals, with the other exception being their most recent contest against Växjö.

As they get ready to take on another powerhouse club in Färjestad, this should give the Czech side some assurance as they look to maintain that defensive prowess against the Swedes who are currently managing 3.90 goals for per game.