Geoff Ward’s men travel to the Tissot Arena today to face the Zealanders from Biel at 7:45 p.m. The pre-match is presented to you by our main partner, Vaudoise assurances.
A stable position in the ranking
Two days after delivering an XXL performance against the SCL Tigers, the Lions face HC Bienne with less pressure regarding the National League ranking. Firmly established in the top 3 with HC Davos and the ZSC Lions, the team of Geoff Ward was able to garner valuable points at the start of the season (45 points in 23 matches). With 6 points ahead and one game less on 4th le SC Bern, the Vaudois can look forward to their near future more calmly despite the multiple injuries within the squad. This situation asked the Lausanne staff to give the chance to several players such as the young Gail Haas or to the experienced Jordan Bougro. Winning choices when we look at the recent performances of the latter, rewarded by his first goal in Lausanne colors during the reception of the SCL Tigers.
If seeing the infirmary fill up is not the recent habit in Lausanne, the people of Bienne have had to live with this situation for several months. The club led by Martin Philander sees its players disappear as the season progresses. In addition to prolonged absences from Gaëtan Haasof Viktor Lööv or from Jeremy Bärtschythese are two new absences of mark which join them with the injury of Lias Andersson and potentially Johnny Kneubühler.
HC Bienne (7th – 34 points)
- 23 matches played, 11 victories (including 2 in overtime and 1 on penalties) and 12 defeats (including 3 in overtime and 1 on penalties)
- 50 goals scored and 52 goals conceded
- 22.03% efficiency in powerplay and 77.61% efficiency in boxplay
- 578 shots taken on goal (8.48% efficiency)
- 3 shutouts
Lausanne HC (2nd – 45 points)
- 23 matches played, 16 victories (including 2 in overtime and 2 on penalties) and 7 defeats (including 1 on penalties)
- 75 goals scored and 63 goals conceded
- 30.00% efficiency in powerplay and 83.10% efficiency in boxplay
- 744 shots taken on goal (9.81% efficiency)
- 4 shutouts
Players to follow
On the Lausanne side, the duo Janne Kuokkanen–Lauri Pajuniemi continue to progress together. Usually associated with Theo Rochette and recently to Jordan Bougrothe former Malmö Redhawks pair brings a lot of play in the offensive zone and creates many dangerous opportunities. Their Finnish compatriot Antti Suomela also remains on excellent recent performances. Whether it was during his decisive goal in overtime against HC Fribourg-Gottéron or his important achievement against the SCL Tigers, the Postfinance TopScorer displays better consistency than during his first season with the Lions. Defensively, David Sklenicka remains a force in his position, particularly in his ability to cut shot trajectories. Number 77 is the 3rd best in the league in this category with 49 blocked shots in 23 games.
Among the Zealanders, it is impossible to talk about the squad without pronouncing the name‘Harri Säteri. The Biel goalkeeper once again shows that he is one of the big names in the championship with 93.78% saves in 18 matches played. To supplement it, Luis Tendont also shows remarkable solidity in front of his cage for his first season with HC Bienne. Offensively, it is no surprise that Toni Rajala, with his 10 goals and 9 assists, is the most dangerous player in the Bienne team. If their attack has been lacking in efficiency since the start of the season, the teammates of Robin Grossman et Alexander Yakovenko remain the 3rd defense in the championship with only 52 goals conceded in 23 matches.
The last five matches against HC Bienne
- 01/10/2024 : Lausanne HC 2-1 (AP) HC Biel
- 13/02/2024 : Lausanne HC 5-2 HC Biel
- 02/03/2024: HC Bienne 2-1 Lausanne HC
- 02/01/2024 : Lausanne HC 3-2 HC Biel
- 11/25/2023: HC Bienne 1-2 Lausanne HC
One month of access to the MySports application offered to follow Lions away matches
Good news! MySports has planned an early Christmas gift by offering one month of access to the Mysports application so as not to miss any LHC away matches. In addition to being at the heart of the action behind the LHC Lions, you could also watch the best ice hockey documentaries.
Important notice: The free month of subscription is only valid in the MySports application and only for new customers. The subscription can be canceled at any time. After the free trial month expires, the subscription becomes payable (39.90 per month). Offer valid until December 8.
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