Liberec – TPS 1:2 (2:3 after SO) | Sparta – Cracovia 5:4 (end) | Lukko – Zürich 2:3 (1:2 after SO)
Kärpät – Vitkovice 1:0 (end) | Zug – IFK Helsinki 2:1 (end)
after shootout (1:2)
Lukko Rauma
2:3 (0:2, 0:0, 2:0 - 0:0)
ZSC Lions
Friday 26.08.2016, 18:00 • Kivikylän Areena • Champions League • Group D
     
    Shots on goal:

    Lukko: 25
    Lions: 34 (20:36:48)
     
    Thanks for following the blog and good night, fellow hockey fans!
     
    Zurich Lions wins by shootout! Swiss team dominated the first two periods but then Lukko came out strong and tied in regulation. Victory well deserved anyway. With this victory ZSC Lions wins the group
     
    Game over.
     
    ZSC Lions Zurich has won after the penalty shoot-out.
    The winning goal scored by PESTONI.
     
    5. series
    1:2
    Gagnon fails.
     
    4. series
    1:2
    This guy is on fire! Up top it goes!
     
    4. series
    1:1
    Tiivola fails.
     
    3. series
    1:1
    Kuenzle fails.
     
    3. series
    1:1
    Saarela fails.
     
    2. series
    1:1
    Karjalainen lies down when Shannon dekes arond him. Tied!
     
    2. series
    1:0
    Vahalahti fails.
     
    1. series
    1:0
    Nilsson fails.
     
    1. series
    1:0
    Downlow! This shootout starts with a bang
     
    Start of shootout.
    Overtime is goalles and we now face the game winning shots.
     
    In the shootout we'll see 3 shooters in each side. If the game is still undecided after 6 shooters, we'll continue 1 by 1
     
    Shots on goal in overtime:

    Lukko: 4 (total 25)
    Lions: 1 (total 33)
     
    No goals in OT, shootout ahead.
     
    65:00
    Overtime finished.
     
    64:08
    HOW DID TIIVOLA MISS THAT? Open net and goalie on his back but still the shot went by the right post. That one was on a silver plate
     
    63:40
    Lukko is dominating in the OT but only a minute remains. Will we see shootout tonight?
     
    62:51
    Marti with an angry wrister srtaight to Karjalainen's chest. Game to Lions' end, play is whistled down when Schlegel freezes the puck. Faceoff Lions' end
     
    62:18
    Lions having a minor control here, no shots yet on goal in OT. Icing Lukko
     
    60:55
    Koivisto's first overtime shot is not bad backhander, Schlegel makes an easy save though.
    60 minutes ended 2-2. This became a game eventually. Overtime ahead.Seen by Leo Runsas at 20:19
     
    Overtime is played 3-on-3
     
    60:01
    Overtime began.
     
    5 minutes of overtime starting
     
    Shots on goal in 3rd:

    Lukko: 4 (21 total)
    Lions: 9 (32 total)
     
    We're not done here, overtime awaits! 2-2 after three periods of play. 3 minute break and then off to chase the golden goal
     
    60:00
    3rd period finished.
     
    58:55
    Lukko icing.
     
    58:02
    2 minutes to go in regulation, Lukko offside.
     
    57:20
    Goal for Lukko!
    JANNE NISKALA ties the game with only minutes to go on the 3rd. This one gets interesting! Assisted by VILLE VAHALAHTI and AARON GAGNON
    56:54 SAARELA - 1:2
     
    56:54
    Goal for Lukko!
    NHL-draftee ALEKSI SAARELA has the opening and releases furious slapshot top left shelf. Assisted by JESSE VIRTANEN and RONY AHONEN
     
    56:07
    Lions penalty #15 Mathias Seger 2 minutes for interference
     
    56:04
    Nilsson's shot almost drops directly on Wick's stick but this time Karjalainen was on the rebound. Faceoff Lukko's end
     
    55:06
    Marti almost catches Karjalainen by surprise with his ankle-high wrister but luck was on Lukko's side. Lions planning on another attack
     
    54:38
    Icing Lions. With the tie running out it's only matter of time when Lukko is forced to use their time out
     
    53:42
    Puck over to the benches, misses Lukko's coaching staff just by inches. Faceoff Lions' end
     
    53:02
    Ahonen crushes Shannon on open ice! Home crowd applauds
     
    52:35
    Pestoni continues his bold offensive plays by breaking through Lukko defense. Karjalainen is yet there to make the save. Power break, faceoff Lukko's end
     
    51:37
    Karrer with a saucer on the blue line, Karjalainen blocks. Turnover
     
    51:00
    Under 10 minutes to go in regulation. It's getting aggressive out there!
     
    49:46
    Weak shot from the blue line is an easy save for Karjalainen. Faceoff Lukko's end
     
    49:15
    Offside Lions. Neither team is dominating right now.
     
    48:06
    Today's attendance is 3023.
     
    47:41
    Lukko is slowly picking up the pace but maybe too late. Puck over the glass, neutral ice faceoff
     
    46:56
    Bit of wrestling in Karjalainen's net, puck is there somewhere but no one knows exactly where. Power break, faceoff Lukko's end
     
    46:45
    Lukko icing
     
    46:30
    Conservative plays in both ends. Focus on puck control now
     
    45:32
    Lions' attack end in another puck going over the glass, neutral ice faceoff
     
    45:16
    Puck over the glass, reflects on players so no penalty here. Neutral ice face off
     
    44:43
    Karjalainen is forced to shut the game. Faceoff Lukko's end
     
    44:38
    Teams on even strength
     
    43:21
    Lions' offensive trio showing their skills straight away by rushing to the net. Saarela turns the game to the other direction but can't quite make the shot he hoped for. Lions in control now
     
    42:38
    Lukko penalty, #20 Atte Mäkinen 2 minutes for holding
     
    42:25
    Mäkinen hangs on to Herzog for too long. Penalty coming up
     
    41:02
    Marti gives Saarela tough love on Lions' blue line. Lukko in control now and they are not afraid of bruises apparently
     
    40:38
    Lukko icing. Last 20 minutes on it's way
     
    40:01
    Start of 3rd period.
    Lukko has their work cut out for them to even get some points. Or even score a goal. If Zürich wins they win the group.
     
    Shots on goal in 2nd:

    Lukko: 9 (17 total)
    Lions: 8 (23 total)
     
    2nd period ends scoreless, total score being 0-2 in Lions' advance. Now we are seeing more even-matched hockey than in the 1st but will that be enough? 20 more minutes to go after a break.
     
    40:00
    2nd period finished.
     
    39:54
    Lähteenmäki's low shot just goes by the post. Lukko gives good pressure at the end of the period
     
    39:26
    Teams on even strength
     
    38:36
    Blindenbacher levels out Gagnon in mid-ice. Interference? Nah, game continues, Niskala making the play
     
    37:56
    Lukko shoots, netminder closes. Faceoff Lions' end
     
    37:25
    Lions penalty, #15 Mathias Seger 2 minutes for high-sticking. Seigo gets Seger's stick on his face, hoping Lukko avoided injury there
     
    36:56
    Both teams play careful now. Lukko clears towards Schlegel who is forced to shut the play. Faceoff Lions' end
     
    35:28
    Nilsson and Shannon both try top shelf on point blank but the aim is too high. Game now on Lions end
     
    34:34
    Lukko improves their checking game. Lions on the rush, Karjalainen shuts. Faceoff Lukko's end
    Vuori told on power break that the playing has been better now. I wouldn't go and praise on that. Two minutes of penalty killing has been done, hopefully this gets better.
     
    32:53
    Pestoni again with slick moves but didn't get the puck over Karjalainen's left shoulder. Lions giving the pressure
     
    32:27
    Cunti levels Seigo on the boards. Clean, strong hit
     
    32:03
    Lähteenmäki recieves a beautiful pass on scoring area but Schlegel has the net all covered up. Faceoff Lions end
     
    31:19
    Sjögren tries Karjalainen's pads, no luck there. Lukko clears and plans on going offensive
     
    30:19
    Teams on even strength
     
    30:01
    Offside Lions
     
    29:38
    Baltisberger C. intercepts the puck between the points on Lukko's end and almost dives to breakaway, Karjalainen gets on the way
     
    29:16
    Two great shots from the blue line but great PP pressure ends in puck drippling past the line. Neutral ice faceoff
     
    28:19
    Lions penalty, #24 Phil Baltisberger 2 minutes for hooking
     
    28:11
    Koivisto dekes but misses the last touch on the puck. Penalty coming up
     
    27:39
    Game is whistled down, ringside door opens by the force of checking. Faceoff Lions end
     
    27:20
    Friberg is tripped behind Lions goal, no penalty
     
    26:37
    Teams on even strength
     
    26:10
    Lions 2nd PP looking much better, conducted by TopScorer Wick. Very dangerous
     
    25:09
    Baltisberger C. shoots high from point-blank, Karjalainen makes emotionless glove save. Highlight reel material. Faceoff Lukko's end
     
    24:35
    Lukko penalty, #15 Toni Suuronen 2 minutes for boarding
     
    24:35
    Suuronen trashes Trachsler on the boards, penalty coming up a bit late
     
    23:58
    Lukko icing.
     
    23:47
    Icing Lions. Lukko seems to have woken up to this game. About time.
     
    23:40
    Teams on even strength
     
    23:30
    Lions icing.
     
    22:48
    Lähteenmäki throws himself between the puck and the goal and it hurts. Still continues though. Lions gathering another attack behind own net
     
    21:55
    Lions PP on ice for the first time tonight. This could very well end in a goal
     
    21:40
    Lukko penalty, #51 Jesse Virtanen 2 minutes for high-sticking
     
    21:36
    Lukko's first penalty coming up
     
    21:15
    Icing Lions
     
    20:29
    Niskala with a cannon on the blue line but straight to netminders lap. Faceoff Lions end
     
    20:01
    Start of 2nd period.
     
    2nd soon on it's way. We'll see if Lukko has come up with any tricks to keep Lions in their cage
     
    Shots on goal in 1st:

    Lukko 8
    ZSC Lions: 15
     
    First one ends with Lions leading by two goals. Saarela sends Antonen flying towards the net on the last seconds but defenseman holds him back.
     
    20:00
    1st period finished.
     
    19:13
    Little under 1 minute to go and the 1st one has been a one-team show. Game is stopped, Lions offside.
     
    18:06
    Icing Lions.
     
    17:52
    Game is whistled down. Faceoff Lions end
     
    17:34
    Wilsson – Shannon – Wick trio is not looking bad at all. Beautiful one-touch passes to one another but this time, no goal.
     
    16:59
    Liedes tries to wake his team up by forcing his way to scoring area. Game is quickly turned (again) to Lukko's defensive area. Icing Lukko (again)
     
    16:21
    Koivisto shoots a knee-high shot towards Lions net, no one on the rebound. Game is whistled down, faceoff neutral zone
    Is it ok now to demand someone to do something?
     
    15:51
    Icing Lukko
     
    15:08
    Lukko in major troubles right now. Not getting the puck from their own end.
     
    14:15
    Panicing Lukko is forced to icing. Faceoff Lukkos end
     
    13:07
    Pestoni with the moves! only the 3rd defenseman could stop him in front of Lukko's net. This is forming up to be a Lions-only show.
     
    12:02
    Lukko PP messes up big time and Lions send Wick on the fly, missing a certain goal only by inches. Both teams on even strenght
    10:58 BARTSCHI - 0:2
     
    10:58
    Goal for Zürich!
    PATRIK BARTSCHI gets the rebound from MORRIS TRACHSLER's shot, goalie stands no chance. Goal was a short-handed goal
     
    10:39
    Offside Lukko.
     
    10:20
    Yet another power play to Lukko. Will this one get the job done? Zurich showing solid defense from the beginning
     
    10:17
    Lions penalty, #72 Samuel Guerra 2 minutes for high-sticking
     
    10:17
    Seigo shoots from the blue line, Schlegel shuts. Penalty coming up.
     
    09:43
    Both teams on full strength
     
    08:43
    Lähteenmäki sends first potential shot on goal from between the points. No goal. Lions clear. 30 secs to go on the powerplay
     
    08:00
    Zurich 4 players on ice
     
    07:42
    Lions penalty, #14 Chris Baltisberger 2 minutes for slashing
     
    07:30
    No shots on PP yet, 20 seconds to go. Lions receive another minor
     
    05:59
    Lions penalty, #25 Roger Karrer 2 minutes for boarding. Nasty hit from behind. Could had been a major.
     
    05:16
    Lions in control now. Lukko's having troubles getting their offense going.
     
    04:13
    Lukko is agitated by the early goal against them. Forechecking intensifies
     
    03:15
    First shot on goal on Lukko by Friberg. Schlegel shuts, faceoff Lions' end
    02:19 BALTISBERGER - 0:1
     
    02:19
    Goal for Zürich!
    CHRIS BALTISBERGER skates to the net from the corner and snipes the puck just past the goal line. Assisted by MATTIAS SJÖGREN
     
    02:19
    Referee on the phone. Goal IS under review.
     
    02:17
    Baltisberger C. shoots up top but it hits the post?! Referee extends his arms on his sides while Baltisberger celebrates. No goal.
     
    01:40
    Zurich gets first hazzle on the net. Dangerous plays in fron of the net
     
    01:17
    Karjalainen shuts the puck. Faceoff Lukko's end.
     
    01:00
    1st minute without shots on goal. Tempo is looking good though
     
    00:01
    Game started.
     
    ZSC Lions Top Scorer: Roman Wick. This is Lukko's first game this season.
     
    Teams entering the ice with light show.
     
    10 minutes ladies and gentlemen. Chants are sung from the Zurich end of the ring. Two elite teams going head to head on a nice Friday evening, why not to like it?
     
    Team captains

    Lukko Rauma: Janne Niskala (C), Toni Koivisto (A), Ville Vahalahti (A)

    ZSC Lions Zurich: Mathias Seger (C), Severin Blindenbacher (A)
     
    Starting lineups:

    Lukko Rauma: Karjalainen (Kähkönen) – Vahalahti, Gagnon, Koivisto, Lähteenmäki, Saarela, Antonen, Liedes, Tiivola, Friberg, Suuronen, Koivistoinen, Pitkänen – Niskala, Seigo, Virtanen, Riikola, Ahonen, Mäkinen, Sevänen, Ventelä

    Head coach: Juha Vuori

    ZSC Lions Zurich: Schlegel (Flueler) – Nilsson, Shannon, Wick, Cunti, Bartschi, Pestoni, Sjögren, Herzog, Kuenzle, Baltisberger, Trachsler – Blindenbacher, Guerra, Hachler, Marti, Geering, Karrer, Seger, Baltisberger

    Head coach: Hans Wallson

    Referees: Stefan Fonselius (FIN), Daniel Piechaczek (GER), Markus Hagerström (FIN), Sakari Suominen (FIN).
     
    Welcome to the Lukko – Lions live blog. About 50 minutes till the drop of the puck and already 20 eager Zurich fans have taken their seats. And they're loud. CHL season kick-off in Rauma is only moments away!
     
    Welcome. Game starts at 18:00.
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    Commentary by

    Timo Similä

    Goals & lineups Match log
    Goals and assists: 57. Saarela (Virtanen, Ahonen), 58. Niskala (Vahalahti, Gagnon) – 3. Baltisberger (Sjögren), 11. Bartschi (Trachsler), dec. goal Pestoni

    Shootout:

    1. series:
    1:0   Koivisto (RAU)
    1:0   Nilsson (ZSC)
    2. series:
    1:0   Vahalahti (RAU)
    1:1   Shannon (ZSC)
    3. series:
    1:1   Saarela (RAU)
    1:1   Kuenzle (ZSC)
    4. series:
    1:1   Tiivola (RAU)
    1:2   Pestoni (ZSC)
    5. series:
    1:2   Gagnon (RAU)

    Lukko Rauma: Karjalainen (Kähkönen) – Vahalahti, Gagnon, Koivisto, Lähteenmäki, Saarela, Antonen, Liedes, Tiivola, Friberg, Suuronen, Koivistoinen, Pitkänen – Niskala, Seigo, Virtanen, Riikola, Ahonen, Mäkinen, Sevänen, Ventelä

    Head coach: Juha Vuori
    ZSC Lions: Schlegel (Flueler) – Nilsson, Shannon, Wick, Cunti, Bartschi, Pestoni, Sjögren, Herzog, Kuenzle, Baltisberger, Trachsler – Blindenbacher, Guerra, Hachler, Marti, Geering, Karrer, Seger, Baltisberger

    Head coach: Hans Wallson
    Referees: Stefan Fonselius (FIN), Daniel Piechaczek (GER), Markus Hagerström (FIN), Sakari Suominen (FIN)
    Attendance: 3023