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According to the statistics, almost everything speaks in Zug’s favor in the quarter-final against Bern on Saturday. So far in a Game 7, the home team has won 36 out of 44 times, which corresponds to a success rate of 81.82 percent.
In the last twenty play-off games, the away teams scored only 21 goals. And even in the three cases where home advantage had no impact, the guest had to settle for few goals: Davos won 3-1 in the quarter-finals in Rapperswil-Jona two years ago. The ZSC Lions won the final twice away from home: in 2012 in Bern (2:1) and in 2018 in Lugano (2:0).
The SCB almost faces a ‘mission impossible’, especially since the last expeditions to Zug ended in a debacle (1:6 and 2:6) and the EVZ last missed the semi-finals in 2018.
However, the Bernese showed mental maturity and won in the matches where they were under the most pressure. What do they need to defy the omens?
1
A good start
Whoever scores the first goal wins. Almost always. In the 23 play-off games so far, the team that scored the first goal won 21 times. In the away win at the start of the series, SCB took the lead in the 3rd minute. Otherwise, Tapola’s team was behind for 75 percent of the playing time in the three games in Zug. Anyone who then has to openly deal blows against Zug’s strong counter-attackers is done.
2
Big saves from Wüthrich
Turn Wizard Genoni is always a bank, except for the starting game. That’s why it’s not enough for Wüthrich – or Reideborn, when his number is called in Tapola’s goalkeeper bingo – to simply play solidly. Big saves are needed from the SCB keeper. Wüthrich succeeded at home. Monday in Zug, when he was substituted before the first break, but not.
3
The right balance
Only on their own ice did the SCB manage to find the right mix between forward momentum and defensive protection over long distances, which is not easy. The Zugers are not only dangerous on a counter-attack, but can also constrict and overwhelm an opponent.
4
Avoid double hits
In EVZ’s three wins, the Tangnes team thwarted the Bernese team with double hits in the middle third. The Zugers are cool-headed and usually use the momentum to decide the game.
5
Bader is not allowed to play first violin
With 5 assists, Thierry Bader is not only the best play-off scorer, but also the most striking player of the SCB. That speaks for him. But others should play first fiddle. Now the stars and leaders are in demand. Kahun started with his first point on Wednesday. Scherwey also scored. Sceviour was the opener for the second time with the 1-0.
6
Increase efficiency
Bern had many more shots on target (194) than Zug (159). But while EVZ is the most efficient team in the play-offs (hit percentage: 13.21 percent), SCB has only 7.22 percent in net. Zug’s power play record (33.3 percent), which was dismal at the end of qualifying, is also almost twice as good as Bern’s (17.7 percent). Coach Tapola must use leverage here.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
