Guy Boucher starts with a win

01 Feb 2014 | Luis Lopes

New life at Post-Finance Arena; Geneva remains in track for the play-offs;

Bern 4 Ambri 2

The new SC Bern coach, the Canadian Guy Boucher wants give a new life to the team, so for the first time(and only) this season the home team started this game wearing a red shirt(according to the League regulations you can only do it one time for season).

The sold out arena wanted to see something new from the new coach and fans weren't disappointed. The first three minutes were an indication what Guy Boucher wants: fast skating, fast transitions, good puck receptions and a lots of shots to the slot.

Bern got started furiously and 44 seconds later, was 1-0 for home team. Geoff Kinrade assists Rotislav Olesz for the first goal. Big explosion of joy for Bern fans. The second goal was like the first(shot to the slot) with different actors, this time Swiss young player Christoph Bertschy score assisted Canadian Byron Ritchie. Seven minutes later Ryan Gardner made the game wining goal for Bern.

In the third period Ambri made two fast goals by Alexandre Giroux and Maxim Noreau, but Bern with one more goal by Tristan Scherwey in the slot at minute 46 sentenced the game.

With the victory, SC Bern managed to get back on the good side of standings. The first big game for Guy Boucher will come Saturday night against Fribourg, and will oppose the Champions at vice-Champions home. If Bern wins they will get in good position for a play-off spot, in case of defeat we must wait until the end of the month to know the eight play-offs teams.

Biel 2 Geneva 5

With four wins in five games against Biel, Geneve is now in good position(4 points ahead Lausanne) for a play-off spot.

The Spengler Cup winners made a difference in the last third, when they passed from 2-1 from 4-1 in 290 seconds, with goals from Roland Gerber(after a rebound) and Matt Lombardi alone against Biel's goalie Simon Rytz. Right there that was the difference between a play-off team and a play-out team. A play-off team knows when put the puck on the pipes when it counts the most.

Biel's resistance seemed broke after the fourth goal. For home team the end of season will be long and they have to put a fight to be saved in the play-outs. Rapperswil will not sell it that easy. Biel's club management is rightfully concerned and during the Olympic break, the Canadian wing player Nathan Robinson will be tested for a spot in the team.