Both defences shined in the First Game of the Champions Hockey League Quarter-Finals series between Sparta Prague and the Växjö Lakers, as the Czechs and Swedes kept it close with Växjö taking a one-goal aggregate advantage back to Sweden as the teams prepare for the Return Game.

New signing, and CHL veteran, Michael Špaček opened the scoring for Sparta minutes into the second frame when a rare defensive breakdown from Växjö allowed the 27-year-old to find space and lift the puck past a sprawling Adam Åhman. But a battle in front of the Czech net would eventually knot things at 1-1. This is where the score would stay until a late tally by the Swedish side would give them a narrow edge in the series.

With just one goal separating the two teams, however, this bout between two CHL heavyweights is far from over. Sparta continue to refine their offence and with the added firepower of Špaček, who currently sits in first in goals with eight, their production only seems to be improving. You would have to go back to mid-September, to their Game Day 4 contest against Eisbären Berlin, to find the last time the Czech side trailed in a game, as they've managed to secure the first goal in every contest since.

If Sparta are able to maintain that trend and light the lamp early, a second instalment of Semi-Finals action is not out of the question for the Czechs.

Standing in their way, however, is one of the best defences in the league. Växjö currently sit second in goals against with 1.78 and showcased their dominance on the backend as they only allowed one goal for the fifth time this season.

Besides making a difference on defence, the Swedes' blueliners also had an impact on the scoreboard with 25-year-old Elias Rosén breaking the tie with exactly two minutes left in the derby. Åhman also played his part, stopping 16 of 17 shots en route to the win. His 94.68 SV% and 1.20 GAA have him in fourth place among netminders, just behind teammate Benedikt Oschgan, and his four wins have him tied for third in that department.

This season, the Swedes have gone 2-2 in the Vida Arena, so home-ice advantage doesn't necessarily guarantee success. Still, if Växjö are able to deploy another excellent defensive showing, one goal might just be enough to secure a date in the Semi-Finals.