EVZ saw both sides in the first game: how it can win the semi-final series against the superior winner of the qualification and how it will definitely lose against ZSC Lions.
The positives first: In the first half, Zug played in a considered manner, took care of the puck and controlled the game. In the first intermission, the visitors even had the edge in terms of results (1:0 lead) and shots on goal (8:6). The ZSC Lions visibly struggled to develop as usual against the compact and well-positioned visitors. There was no difference to speak of.
The negative: The EVZ can’t afford to make many mistakes and take many penalties against the Zurich team. Certainly not gross blunders such as the five-minute penalty plus remaining exclusion against Niklas Hansson for hitting Sven Andrighetto with a stick. The Swedish defender cannot be accused of intent. Irony of fate: In the 15th minute, the same Hansson who decided the game in Zurich’s favor with his penalty had given his team a 1:0 lead – the fourth power play goal in the last two games! After that, Zug had the second goal on the stick several times.