Nightmare semi-final for the 2024 champions

15 Jan 2025Henrik Lundqvist»

In the first leg of the all-Swiss Champions Hockey League semifinal, ZSC Lions Zurich delivered a commanding performance to defeat Genève-Servette HC 6–1. Dominating both offensively and defensively, the Lions took a significant step toward the CHL final.

Genève-Servette – ZSC Lions Zurich 1 - 6

The Lions struck early, with Yannick Zehnder opening the scoring at just 1:18 into the game, assisted by Juho Lammikko and Jesper Frödén. Nicolas Baechler doubled the lead at 10:41 following a crisp setup by Jarno Kärki and Dean Kukan. Despite the home crowd’s energy, Genève-Servette struggled to generate quality chances, trailing 0–2 by the end of the period.

Zurich took full control in the second frame, adding four more goals. Mikko Lehtonen started the rout at 21:15, again assisted by Lammikko and Frödén. Rudolfs Balcers scored on the power play at 27:45, forcing Genève-Servette to replace Antti Raanta with Robert Mayer in net. Balcers and Derek Grant combined for two more goals, with Grant converting another power-play opportunity at 35:04. This dominant period left Genève-Servette overwhelmed, with penalties adding to their woes.

The final frame saw a more balanced contest. Genève-Servette managed to get on the scoreboard with Eric Schneller’s goal at 48:25, assisted by Alessio Bertaggia and Arnaud Jacquemet. However, the deficit proved insurmountable, and the Lions secured a comfortable 6–1 victory.

With a dominant first-leg victory, ZSC Lions Zurich carry a five-goal cushion into the return leg, putting them in a strong position to advance to the CHL final. The second leg promises intense action as Genève-Servette fights to keep their CHL hopes alive