Against leader ZSC Lions: The SCB passes the moose test

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The ZSC Lions are not only the most mentioned title candidate and leader, but also the ultimate indicator of the competition. Marc Crawford’s team always scored points in the last twelve games and lost only twice. The Canadian can unleash his full potential and increase internal competition thanks to an extremely deep roster with numerous experienced players and talents.

On Friday in Bern, Zurich’s goals to make it 1-0 and 2-1 showed their class and also why they have the best defense in the league. But when they responded to Bern’s equalizer in the third period, the SCB could no longer be upset. Bern passes the moose test. Jussi Tapola’s team stands firm, defends itself expertly and inspires its fans with fighting spirit and passion.

The failures of recent years also had their good side. In Bern, honest, good craftsmanship is appreciated again and no one complains that the team offers too little in terms of play. It is clear to everyone that this SCB cannot keep up with Zurich’s talent level. You don’t have Malgin or Andrighetto. But Tapola’s handwriting has long been recognizable.

The stronghold is still missing two top defenders

The former teacher, who won the Champions League with Tappara Tampere last season and defended the title in Finland, plays straight, powerful ice hockey. Everyone knows what he or she has to do, as was the case last time at SCB under master coach Kari Jalonen. And everyone uses their body consistently and moves their legs. Tapola does not tolerate half measures.

Players who did not meet the coach’s expectations, such as Mika Henauer, Martin Frk or Julius Honka, were loaned out and replaced.

With the victory against ZSC in the epic penalty shootout, which Benjamin Baumgartner only decided with the twentieth attempt, the SCB achieved what only EV Zug had recently achieved – and after two clear defeats, a game against ZSC was won for the first time this season.

Tapola cannot yet make full use of it. While the ZSC goalkeeper leaves Frödén at home as a surplus foreigner, the Berners only play with four imported players. If Swedish defense chief Patrik Nemeth and Finnish Biel loanee Ville Pokka, who has been retained until the end of the season, are available again, opponents will see even less space for strong goalkeeper Adam Reideborn. And even before the injury of Colton Sceviour, who will now be out for a month and a half, sports director Andrew Ebbett was looking for another foreigner. The tenth and last alien license should go to a striker.

The competition has been warned. At least since the action against ZSC.

Source : Blick