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Indians wary of another early playoff exit
  • Series tied after a goal each in first game
  • Indians went out at this stage last season
  • Lugano excitted competition in Round of 16 two years ago

One of Frölunda Indians and HC Lugano will break their losing streak in the Champions Hockey League's Round of 16.

For the Indians, after three straight finals, they were eliminated at this stage last season by Czech side Bílí Tygři Liberec on their own ice as the series needed overtime to decide it - all tied on aggregate after 120 minutes. Lugano meanwhile were beaten in Swiss rivals ZSC Lions two years ago in their only previous CHL appearance.

Frölunda sit in a three-way tie for top spot in the SHL after 18 games. They come into this European matchup after two one-goal games in their own league: a loss in Skellefteå by the odd goal in five, and a penalty shot win over Djurgården in Stockholm. Ryan Lasch leads the team in the CHL for points but not goals, while in the SHL his 6+12 also makes him the team's most productive player.

HC Lugano meanwhile are sitting in the last playoff place in Switzerland's National League, having had a very indifferent season so far. Since their home tie against the Indians in the CHL, the side have lost two games in shootouts, and beaten Genève-Servette.  For them it's been the goals of LGT Top Scorer Gregory Hoffmann that have helped in recent CHL matches, while his 11+8 in the domestic league also sees him lead the team there. No talk of Lugano would be complete however without mentioning Elvis Merzlikins - the Latvian is at 93.37% of shots saved, and has given up only one goal in his last three CHL starts.

 
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