Damien Riat has clearly established himself as one of the main leaders of the LHC in these play-offs. The former HC Bienne and Genève-Servette player continues to score decisive goals. His exceptional form will not have escaped Patrick Fischer, the coach of the national team, who will probably call him up for the World Championships in the Czech Republic. But that’s music for the future…
The people of Lausanne trembled
The Lausanne people still scared themselves at the start of the third period. At 5-1, they probably believed too quickly that everything was over and that Zurich had given up. Especially since Marc Crawford had removed his goalkeeper Simon Hrubec to replace him with Robin Zumbühl, significantly less experienced than the Czech.
As a result, the French-speaking Lions started the third period in a less aggressive manner. And the “Z” took advantage by scoring two goals by former NHL players Dean Kukan (43rd) and Denis Malgin (49th). Geoff Ward immediately understood the danger and called a time-out to curb Zurich’s enthusiasm and calm his troops. The Lausanne public also understood that their team needed their support more than ever. The kop did not stop singing and even the occupants of the “seated” places were standing.
The start of the match also played a vital role in this match. And there, the Lausanne residents obeyed the orders of their coach Geoff Ward, as impassive as ever. They immediately laid siege to goalkeeper Simon Hrubec. After 3’15, the Z and their defender Scott Harrington – who replaced the injured Latvian Rudolfs Balcers – received two minutes of penalties. Geoff Ward’s men managed to perfectly install their power play and the Finn Antti Suomela, with an instant shot, opened the score in a fiery atmosphere.
This goal is really good for the Finn, less effective in these play-offs than during the regular season. The Zurich residents came back to their senses in the middle of this first third and notably had a superb opportunity through Christian Baltisberger, but Connor Hugues was sovereign and made up for his mistake on Tuesday very well on Zurich’s first goal. Once again, Canada-Switzerland was decisive.
Incredible craze
The enthusiasm for this final is enormous in Lausanne and throughout the canton. These days, most discussions started with: “Do you have a ticket to the game? Do you have a plan to get one?” A sorry no sounded most often. The 9,600 seats at the Vaudoise Arena were gone in a few minutes. The match was played behind closed doors for the sixth consecutive time. But many bars as well as the Cinétoile (1000 seats), located very close to the ice rink, broadcast this match on a giant screen.
Before the meeting, in front of the ice rink many people held small signs desperate: they were looking for tickets. A young man was trying every ploy. On his it was written: “Looking for 3 tickets. I offer the beer.” A little further down the esplanade which leads to the Vaudoise Arena, a woman, dressed in the colors of the LHC, still couldn’t believe it: a man had stopped and told her that one of her friends was sick, and sold him his ticket at the purchase price. What happiness on her face!
Outside or inside, the supporters were later able to celebrate a success which allows them to still dream of succeeding Genève-Servette, crowned Swiss champion last year.
