Genève-Servette lost 2-0 against Langau on Saturday at Iflis. The difference was made in the third period in 135 seconds as the score was still 0-0 after 40 minutes. The top 6 is moving away.
Second match of the year for a GSHC, the first with its full coaching staff, namely Rikard Franzen (absent against Bienne because a member of the Switzerland U20 staff) and Yorick Treille. Eric Walsky, GSHC elite junior coach, completes the trio.
In the Geneva lineup, Markus Granlund is ill while Dmytro Timashov, new recruit from the GSHC, is aligned with Pouliot and Jooris. The match began at a calmer pace than usual in Emmental. An ice rink which is not suitable for the GSHC which has no longer imposed itself in regulation time since March 14, 2022, i.e. 5 matches. There will be a goal for the locals 13 seconds from the end of the period but canceled due to an obstruction on the goalkeeper. Without being glorious, the Genevans therefore return to the locker room with a score of 0-0.
The second period was also goalless despite numerous Bernese chances. It will still take a huge Anti Raanta in the Geneva goals so that the score does not change. Opposite, the Servettians seem too timid to really worry Stéphane Charlin, best goalkeeper in the National League in terms of save percentage.
Intractable until now, the garnet boxplay will falter in the 44th minute. A logical and deserved opening score for the Emmentalois who will double the lead 2 minutes and 15 seconds later, again in numerical superiority. Two stupid fouls outside the game will therefore cut off Geneva’s momentum, especially since the Servetti offensive seems incapable of finding a solution against the opposing defense. The 3-0 will be scored in the empty cage, the Servettians will therefore logically bow ingloriously.
This defeat hurts the ranking since the Langnau Tigers are now 9 points ahead of the GSHC while they occupy 7th place. Direct qualification for the playoffs thanks to a place in the top 6 therefore seems strongly compromised. But no time to procrastinate, Genevans and Emmentalois meet in less than 18 hours at Les Vernets, kick-off at 3:45 p.m.
Swiss
