One last trip before the holidays

One last trip before the holidays – Lausanne HC

Geoff Ward's men travel to the Emmental Versicherung Arena today to face the SCL Tigers at 7:45 p.m. The pre-match is presented to you by our main partner, Vaudoise assurances.

Towards a fourth success since the resumption?

Last week was simply exceptional for the LHC. After a big victory against HC Ambri-Piotta at the Vaudoise arena on Wednesday (5-0), the Lions shone Friday on the ice of HC Davos (1-3), before concluding in style this Saturday with a clear success in the derby against Genève-Servette HC (3-0). These three consecutive victories propel our players to first place in the National League rankings. A leading position that the LHC could maintain during the holidays, provided it wins this Monday in Langnau.

This trip, however, promises to be tricky for Geoff Ward's men. To continue their good streak, the Lions will have to draw inspiration from their performances during the first two confrontations between the two teams this season. With a series of four consecutive victories against Thierry Paterlini's players, our Lions have all the cards in hand to close the year 2024 in the most beautiful way.

SCL Tigers (7ème – 44 points)

30 matches played, 15 victories (including 2 in overtime and 1 on penalties) and 15 defeats (including 2 in overtime)
75 goals scored and 71 goals conceded
19.28% efficiency in powerplay and 85.92% efficiency in boxplay
911 shots taken on goal (8.12% efficiency)
4 shutout

Lausanne HC (1er – 59 points)

31 matches played, 20 victories (including 2 in overtime and 2 on penalties) and 11 defeats (including 1 in overtime and 2 on penalties)
96 goals scored and 84 goals conceded
27.16% efficiency in powerplay and 81.63% efficiency in boxplay
998 shots taken on goal (9.42% efficiency)
7 shutouts

Players to follow

A match within the match will be one to watch closely this evening. Indeed, Kevin Pasche et Stéphane Charlin both have had an excellent start to the season. The two goalkeepers are showcasing the full extent of their talent and potential. With these two players, the succession of Swiss goalkeepers could be ensured over several years if they continue in this direction.

With only one goal conceded in the last three games (including two shutouts), the Lions display impressive solidity in front of their goalkeeper. Recent performances of David Sklenicka perfectly illustrate this renewed confidence in the LHC rearguard. Criticized before the break, our number 77 shone last week by being particularly diligent defensively. Considered above all as a “defensive defender”, the Czech also proved during the derby that he could be valuable on the restart, delivering two masterful passes for Antti Suomela et Makai Holdener.

To counter the enthusiasm of the SCL Tigers this Monday, we will have to show seriousness and discipline. The 2024-2025 version of the Emmental team relies on a strong Finnish contingent, with Aleksi Saarela (18 points, dont 11 buts), Harri Pesonen (16 points, dont 9 buts), Vili Saarijärvi (14 points, dont 2 buts), Juuso Riikola (12 points, dont 2 buts) et Saku Mäenalanen (2 points Saturday for his return). Added to this is an American touch with Sean Malone (15 points, including 4 goals) and Swiss with Dario Rohrbach (22 points, including 7 goals). This well-armed collective is waiting for our Lions firmly and will do everything to make their task difficult.