5–0 in Lausanne, 6–2 in Davos. Then a 2–3 defeat after extra time in Lugano and a 3–5 defeat in Langnau. After four matches in the new season, the EVZ currently have an equal number of wins and defeats.

That will change again this evening in their fifth match in Rapperswil. But which way will the pendulum swing?

Defensively, EVZ have been outstanding so far this season. In seven pre-season games and their first three National League matches, EVZ have never conceded more than three goals. Things were looking the same on Friday in Langnau after the first period (2–0 lead). But then Zug had a poor period and conceded more goals in the second period than they had in any single match this season. Coach Lauri Marjamäki said: “You can’t dominate an entire match. But we have to make sure we don’t lose our shape during those phases.”

Meanwhile, things are looking better on the injury front. Gregory Hofmann made his comeback last Tuesday in Lugano. Dominik Kubalík is now listed as ‘day-to-day’ in the medical report, whilst David Sklenicka is ill. Marjamäki will continue to be without Mike Künzle and Lino Martschini.

The EVZ actually has fond memories of the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. Of course, there was that 0–6 thrashing from last season. But in the pre-play-offs, they had the Lakers – who were in fine form at the time – well under control and secured a play-off spot in a commanding fashion over the two-legged tie. What’s more, to kick off the pre-season, EVZ thrashed Rapperswil 8–1 in the Marjamäki debut at the Zug rink. However, one shouldn’t read too much into a result like that.

After all, a good six weeks later, the Lakers have also hit their stride. After six matches, they sit in a respectable fourth place and have two points more than the EVZ to their name. However, Blau-Weiss have played two fewer matches. One thing is clear: if Zug win today after 60 minutes, they will overtake SCRJ in the table.