And that is your lot – the 96 group games of this year's CHL are all done and dusted, and we now know the 32 teams that will contest the next round.
(20:25:08)
What a great effort by Gap, they've beaten the Eisbaren 3-1 to bow out of the CHL in style!
Well, what do I know? Gap have now gone 3-1 up on Berlin!
Looks like it won't be the fairytale story for Gap – but with 8 minutes to play, can they hold on to the win?
Back on the ice in Gap for the final period of the CHL group stage this year.
Fair play to Gap, they're having a real go against Berlin as they try to win the game by six goals. End of two though, and it's 2-1 to the team from France.
TJ Mulock has pulled one back for Berlin in Gap.
Game over in Linz – the Black Wings get their first win, defeating Dusseldorf 5-3.
Just over 7 minutes to play in Linz, and the Black Wings are now 5-3 ahead, Andrew Kozek scoring on the PP.
A cracking game in Linz – especially considering that it won't change the group standings Linz now lead 4-3.
Period three ins underway in Tampere, with the hosts ahead of Zug by 2-1.
Espoo have tied the game in Litvinov as they begin period two.
Two down in the Lukko-Lulea game, with the latter up by a pair. The game in Munich has now started, with the Red Bulls entertaining Klagenfurt.
And just like that, it's 2-0... Peter Cehlarik doubles the Champions' advantage.
Goal awarded, Tony Rajala gets it to put Lulea 1-0 up.
Review up in Lukko, Lulea think they've scored but was it crossbar to top of the net?
Zug were level for about four minutes in Tampere, but Stephen DIXON has re-estalbished the home side's advantage. In Litvinov the hosts are one up as the teams head into the first intermission.
Wait for one goal, and two come along at the same time! In Tampere, Tappara lead Zug 1-0 and now over in Litvinov the home side have opened the scoring against Espoo!
Back out playing period two in the 15:00 games as we look for our first goal of the afternoon.
No goals in either Lukko or Tampere after one period.
Off we go in Litvinov too, with the Blues trying to prevent their hosts notching a perfect group stage record.
Espoo and Litvinov are out warming up now for their game at half past.
No goals yet in our 3pm starts – remember that Lulea and Lukko are playing for top spot in the group, whilst in Tampere Zug are looking for their first points of the CHL season.
Here we go then, teams now coming out on to the ice in the Lukko and Tappara games
Tappara Tampere vs. EV Zug
Group B; Hakamesta Stadium, 15:00
It’s the end of the Champions Hockey League road this season for EV Zug as they head to Finland. The Swiss side cannot make the next round, however will be keen to avoid finishing without a point to their name. Their opponents Tappara are already through, however cannot overtake Djurgarden who have already won the group.
Zug Headcoach Harald Kreis sees this game now as good practice for the NLA season starting next week, saying: “We must play as well as we did on Friday. Now it’s all about getting the best possible preparation for our domestic championship.”
Lukko Rauma vs. Lulea Hockey
Group K; Kibikylan Areena, 15:00
Two teams that know a lot about each other after last year’s competition meet for the final game of the group stage this year, both safe in the knowledge that they’ve made the next round. However seeing for the play-offs is at stake, with Lukko Rauma taking a one-point advantage into the game. The previous meeting before these sides saw Lulea win 4-3, so the defending Champions only need an overtime win to clinch top spot in the group.
Until then, thanks for being with us and goodnight!
In Gap, the home side need to win by five to advance, and they're not holding about either; one ahead already early in the opening period.
Klagefurt now trail 4-1 in Munich.
In Linz, Dusseldorf are 1-0 ahead after 20 minutes.
And over in Litvinov, the home side have rallied to tie the game at two.
Tappara Tampere vs. EV Zug
Group B; Hakamesta Stadium, 15:00
It’s the end of the Champions Hockey League road this season for EV Zug as they head to Finland. The Swiss side cannot make the next round, however will be keen to avoid finishing without a point to their name. Their opponents Tappara are already through, however cannot overtake Djurgarden who have already won the group.
Zug Headcoach Harald Kreis sees this game now as good practice for the NLA season starting next week, saying: “We must play as well as we did on Friday. Now it’s all about getting the best possible preparation for our domestic championship.”
Lukko Rauma vs. Lulea Hockey
Group K; Kibikylan Areena, 15:00
Two teams that know a lot about each other after last year’s competition meet for the final game of the group stage this year, both safe in the knowledge that they’ve made the next round. However seeing for the play-offs is at stake, with Lukko Rauma taking a one-point advantage into the game. The previous meeting before these sides saw Lulea win 4-3, so the defending Champions only need an overtime win to clinch top spot in the group.