Does the master rely on his American rumble striker?

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In the semi-final EVZ will meet the qualifier Servette. A team that does not have to physically hide from any opponent and is peppered with players who do not shy away from a (two) fight. The Zug game is mainly spiced up with this element by one player: Justin Abdelkader.

But in the first training after the two days off, the American striker is missing on the ice. Coach Dan Tangnes doesn’t say much about it, just, “We’re taking it day by day.” Abdel’s ailing selection could be fit again on Friday before the first game. Does he play then? The EVZ coach still has time to make this decision.

The Norwegian is aware of the ex-NHL striker’s influence, but he doesn’t reduce it just to his keen ability to get under his opponents’ skin. “Justin blocks shots, is strong in the boxing game, is good at checking the front and body. He sacrifices himself, he brings more than what makes the headlines.”

But the fact is also that Abdelkader was fined for two swallows in game three against the Lakers. Another acting interlude would result in a suspension. And: the 36-year-old occasionally wanders into the penalty area. And that, according to Tangnes, should be avoided against Geneva, which is strong in the power game.

This foreigners quartet is set

But back to the foreigners. Tangnes is spoiled for choice – although he has four mercenaries ready for him: captain Jan Kovar (Tsch), center Brian O’Neill (USA) and the two Swedish defense experts Niklas Hansson and Christian Djoos. Accordingly, one of the trio of Abdelkader, Carter Camper (USA) and Carl Klingberg (Sd) along with defender Adam Almquist (Sd) will be redundant.

Depending on the face that trainer Tangnes wants to give his team, he makes the decision. “The big question is what we need.” Klingberg’s speed and power? He can also grab and hand out (sometimes better, sometimes worse). Camper’s power play and punch? Or just Abdelkader’s ability to annoy opponents? However, Tangnes does not want to focus too much on this element, because: “We are not rewarded for being physically strong. But maybe punished if we are in the penalty area too often.”

Source : Blick