Rapperswil-Jona Lakers shock Davos for the third time

08 Jan 2012 | Dennis Mende

The last two teams of the NLA table both won their home games but after Biel won against Genève it stays a very long run for the eighth place. EV Zug and the ZSC Lions had little problems with their opponents.

EV Zug - HC Lugano 4:0

In the top game of the NLA match day EV Zug received HC Lugano. While Zug had the chance to reconquer the first place in the league table, HC Lugano wanted to compensate for the home loss against underdogs SCL Tigers just a day ago. The game couldn't have started better for the hosts as Metropolit scored after just four minutes. In the middle period Lugano lost completely the orientation on the ice and so it was Zug that could increase the lead by goals of Pirnes (22.), Rüfenacht (26.) and Camichel (31.) within nine minutes to decide the game just after "half time". When everything was more or less over, Zug slowed down while Lugano wasn't able to change the result anymore so that Zug now is again leader in the NLA.

SCL Tigers - HC Ambrì-Piotta 3:2

One day after the surprising win in Lugano the SCL Tigers received HC Ambrì-Piotta. The fans in Langnau had to wait quite a long time until they get to see the first goal by their team. One and a half minutes before the end of the first period it was Gustafsson brought his colours in front when he surprised the away goalie with a shot from the right wing which looked harmless. In an even game Ambrì-Piotta had the better momentum in the second period and turned the game around with goals by Kutlak (33.) and Demuth (37.) within four minutes. In the last 20 minutes the SCL Tigers first tied the game after a nice shorthanded break where Pelletier scored after a two-on-one situation. After 56 minutes Rytz, who already scored the game-winner for the SCL Tigers in overtime against Lugano, again scored the decisive goal for his team. Despite five points in two games the distance to the eighth and last playoff spot is still 15 points for Langnau.

Rapperswil-Jona Lakers - HC Davos 4:2

When the last in the table receives the record champion and third in the standings you might think it's clear who wins the game. Not this time. Davos was already warned as they lost the last two games against the Lakers. In his 500th game for Rapperswil-Jona, team captain Geyer scored the lead after 15 minutes. The hosts kept the pressure high and were rewarded when Geigers blue line shot after a won face off found the back of the net (22.). Six minutes later Marha cut the lead to one but Davos had only little time to enjoy the goal as Reto Suri scored in a penalty shot attempt in the same minute. Rost even scored the 4-1 for the Lakers two minutes later. Davos only could make the result a bit more comfortable after a goal by Sciaroni but it was too late for them to avoid the third consecutive loss against the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers.

EHC Biel - HC Genève-Servette 4:3

In Biel two direct competitors for the last playoff spot met. The hosts wanted to increase the distance to Genève and had a great first period where they earned a three goal lead after Tschantre (4.), Wetzel (14.) and Mieville (20.) had scored. But Rico Fata and Rubin cut the lead to just one until the second break and when Fata with his second goal tied the game after 41 minutes everything was open again. Two minutes after the equalizer Biel had a fast counter-attack where Spylo failed in a back-hand try but Lauper scored in the rebound to bring Biel the lead back. Now Servette couldn't react anymore and with this important win Biel increased its lead to Genève in the table to seven points.

Kloten Flyers - ZSC Lions 2:4

The ZSC Lions started wll in their away derby against the Kloten Flyers. After eight minutes Tambellini scored the first for the guests who could increase the lead after a nice one-timer by Bärtschi in a power play opportunity. After only 27 seconds in the middle period Nordgren cut the lead to one and Kloten now intensified the offensive efforts but the guest goalie Lukas Flüeler didn't let another one trough. Instead two break aways lead to a comfortable 4-1 lead for the ZSC Lions. Bastl and again Bärtschi had scored after 37 and 38 minutes. A power play goal by Bieber (43.) brought hope back to the home crowd but Zürich had no problems to get the derby win.