Sparta Prague’s improbable rally over Växjö Lakers stole the spotlight, but other giants like Färjestad, ZSC Lions Zurich, and Genève-Servette also earned their place in the Semi-Finals.
Sparta Prague’s Miraculous Comeback Shocks Växjö
Växjö Lakers – Sparta Prague 4-6 ot
In what will go down as one of the most remarkable comebacks in CHL history, Sparta Prague overturned a three-goal deficit in the third period to eliminate the Växjö Lakers, securing a stunning 7-6 aggregate victory.
The Swedes dominated the early stages of the second-leg matchup. Victor Stjernborg opened the scoring just two minutes in, capitalizing on a rebound left by Jakub Kovář. Växjö’s Elias Rosén doubled their lead with a precise shot late in the first, giving the home team a commanding 4-1 aggregate advantage heading into the second period.
Despite falling further behind after Manuel Ågren finished a beautiful feed from Dylan McLaughlin to make it 5-2, Sparta’s hopes flickered to life when Jani Lajunen struck shorthanded. Powering through Växjö’s defense, Lajunen slotted the puck five-hole for a crucial goal. Yet Växjö seemed to put the game to rest when captain Joel Persson’s wrister extended their aggregate lead to 6-4 early in the third.
Sparta, however, had other plans. Roman Horák began the charge, redirecting a point shot to pull within one goal. Just a minute later, Jakub Krejčík stunned the Lakers, narrowing the deficit to 6-5. With the clock winding down, Sparta opted for the extra attacker and found magic: Michal Moravčík poked in a loose puck, and Michal Řepík completed the comeback seconds later with a goal that silenced the Växjö crowd.
In overtime, the momentum was firmly with the Czechs. Lajunen struck again, nabbing his second of the night in the 3-on-3 session, completing the heroic comeback and sending Sparta Prague to the Semi-Finals. For Växjö, the loss marked their second consecutive Quarter-Final exit.
Ferry town Steamroll Salzburg with Dominant Display
Ferry town Karlstad – EC Red Bull Salzburg 6-0
Färjestad Karlstad delivered a clinical performance, erasing a two-goal first-leg deficit with a commanding 6-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg.
After a tense, scoreless first period, Färjestad found their rhythm in the second frame. Lucas Forsell opened the floodgates just 1:38 into the period with a perfectly placed shot. Minutes later, Marcus Westfält doubled the lead, slipping the puck through the goaltender’s pads. Axel Bergkvist stunned Salzburg further with Färjestad’s third unanswered goal, giving the home team a 3-2 aggregate lead.
Färjestad’s relentless attack continued in the final period. Alexander Ljungkrantz scored on a breakaway fresh out of the penalty box, while David Tomášek capitalized on a powerplay to extend the lead further. Salzburg’s gamble to pull their goalie late backfired, with Oskar Steen sealing the win with an empty-net goal.
The 6-0 victory and a 7-3 aggregate triumph showcased Färjestad’s depth and composure, securing their spot in the Semi-Finals.
Zurich’s Second-Half Surge Ends Berlin’s Run
ZSC Lions – Eisbären Berlin 5-4
ZSC Lions Zurich fought back from another three-goal deficit to eliminate Eisbären Berlin, advancing with a 9-7 aggregate victory.
Berlin dominated the opening frame, replicating their strong first-leg start. Kai Wissmann struck on a powerplay, Manuel Wiederer tipped in a second goal, and Frederik Tiffels deked around Zurich’s defense to make it 7-4 on aggregate. Zurich’s netminder Šimon Hrubec struggled early, conceding three goals on just five shots.
The Swiss side responded emphatically. Jesper Frödén wired home Zurich’s first of the night, and Justin Sigrist leveled the aggregate score with a quick shot late in the second. The teams traded goals seconds into the third period—Blaine Byron briefly restored Berlin’s lead, but Juho Lammikko answered immediately for Zurich.
The game’s turning point came midway through the third when Sven Andrighetto weaved through Berlin’s defense for a highlight-reel goal. Derek Grant added insurance with Zurich’s third unanswered tally, sealing Berlin’s fate.
Genève-Servette Holds Firm Against Bremerhaven
Penguins Bremerhaven – Geneva-Servette HC 2-2
Genève-Servette, the reigning CHL champions, demonstrated resilience and defensive prowess to overcome Bremerhaven with a 6-2 aggregate victory.
Despite being outshot 39-18, Genève’s netminder Antti Raanta was virtually impenetrable, making 37 saves to frustrate the German side. Bremerhaven brought relentless pressure early, but Raanta stood tall, denying breakaways and second-chance efforts.
After two scoreless periods, Bremerhaven’s aggressive push backfired. With their netminder pulled for an extra attacker, Genève capitalized on the undefended goal, with Alessio Bertaggia scoring first. A late surge from Bremerhaven saw Phillip Bruggisser and Jan Urbas net quick goals to tie the match 2-2, but Sakari Manninen sealed Genève’s Semi-Final spot with a second empty-net goal.
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