The ZSC Lions managed another small miracle against the Eisbären from Berlin in the second quarter-final game this Tuesday evening in front of over 6,000 spectators. Hardly anyone would have thought that this game would feel like a kind of “déjà vu”. Although the players disappear into the catacombs after 20 minutes, the fans are watching the scoreboard: 0:3! Two thirds later, however, visitors from Germany will probably be wondering how they managed to score three goals a second time…
From the role
Andrighetto warned: “Let’s not turn too much at the start again, because it will be very difficult.” And yet the Zurich team managed to start the second stage even worse than they did two weeks ago in the Uber Arena. The visitors hit the target five times and celebrated three times in the first half. Hrubec seems puzzled, the team confused. But injured Denis Hollenstein said during the break: “The boys are still turning the game around, don’t worry.” It takes less than 30 seconds in the middle section when Jesper Frödén and the ZSC Lions check in. The state speaker Giovi Marti takes advantage of this opportunity and says the Swedish name three times through the speakers and lo and behold, the spark burns. The Zurich team dominated the Berliners from A to Z between minutes 21 and 40. When Justin Sigrist reduced the score to 2:3 shortly before the second Siren, the hope of reaching the semi-finals was back. With this result there would be at least an extension. But the people of Zurich want drama, as is often the case, and will let the fans suffer even longer in the Swiss Arena.
Miracles happen
As soon as both teams are back on the ice, the RFF representatives will be in charge again. Blaine Byron sets the course for the semi-finals for his colours. Although Serge Aubin and his team have hope again, Juho Lammikko plays spoilsport on a pass from Jesper Frödén. Another tie with 3:4 and the party starts again. The crowning achievement is the ten team ZSC Lions. Andrighetto takes the goal on the opposing blue line, eats a defender, dupes the Hildebrand goalkeeper and then cheers towards the bench of Berlin players and ZSC fans. With his hand on his ear he signaled: you are not entertained? The Germans are really running out of time now and take the goalkeeper out of the box four minutes from the end. After that, for “Empty Goals”, the Zurich team has one slapstick act after another. No matter, because Grant scored after a great pass from Willy Riedi to make it 5:4 and the fall is gone. ended. Off. Over. The Zurich team is in the semi-finals of the Hockey Champions League. The all-Swiss duel will be played with Geneva-Servette for a place in the final in January 2025.
(Marko Filipovic)