In Game 1 of the semifinals against Reinach, the ZSC Lions experienced more difficulties than expected and succeeded thanks to two goals in the final three minutes, both scored by Alina Müller. Game 2, on the other hand, was decided after only nine minutes and a 3-0 lead. So far, Alina Müller, MVP and top scorer of the Olympic Games, stood out in these two games with eight goals. The other six goals were scored by three other Olympic athletes: Nina and Monika Weidacher and Christine Meier.
The other semifinal-series between Lugano and Bomo Thun is more hard-fought. Although the Bianconeri are in the lead (2-0), Bomo Thun has been a tough opponent who is not willing to give in, as the Swiss international Sarah Forster emphasizes. Thanks to a power play goal by Romy Eggimann with three minutes on the clock, Lugano won their home game on Saturday. In Thun they were able to beat Bomo in an intense, hard-fought game thanks to an overtime-goal by Simona Studentova. Both the ZSC Lions and Lugano only need one more victory to enter the playoff final.
In the playout-series, Neuchâtel Hockey Academy is in the lead against Weinfelden (1-0). They were not able to play Game 2 on Sunday because of an “unduly long delay”, as NHA-president Laure Aeschimann called it, due to the Swiss League playoff-game between HC Thurgau and EHC Olten. It is not yet clear if the game will take place on another day or if there will be a defeat by forfeit for Weinfelden.
Hard-fought final in the SWHL B
In the playoff final of the SWHL B, both the GCK Lions and Langenthal were able to win their home games. On Saturday, the all-decisive game will take place at Kunsteisbahn in Küsnacht.
SWHL A, Playoff Semifinals (Best-of-5): ZSC Lions vs Reinach 6-4 (2-1, 1-1, 3-2). Reinach vs ZSC Lions 0-8 (0-4, 0-3, 0-1) – Lugano vs Bomo Thun 3-1 (1-0, 1-1, 1-0). Bomo Thun vs Lugano 3-4 OT (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-1).
Playouts (Best-of-5): Neuchâtel Hockey Academy vs Weinfelden 3-2 (1-0, 1-1, 1-1). Second game Weinfelden vs Neuchâtel Hockey Academy cancelled.
SWHL B, Playoff Final (Best-of-3): GCK Lions vs Langenthal 7-1 (1-0, 1-0, 5-1). Langenthal vs GCK Lions 3-2 SO (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0).
Last Update: 05 March 2018, 12:05 PM | tme*
