“The worst shot was in it”

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Biel has not yet panicked ZSC coach Marc Crawford. The Canadian, who twice lost heart against the Seeländer (“Hollywood” and “Cocksucker”) in the past, speaks in a velvety voice. The 1-0 defeat at the start of the semi-finals must irritate him. Because Zurich missed a huge chance to break.

In the 53rd minute, Biel’s captain Gaëtan Haas elbowed Garrett Roe and was sent to the penalty area for five minutes. “It was a bit stupid of me,” the former NHL forward admits. But his misstep has no consequences because the ZSC Lions can achieve nothing in the long power game.

“We didn’t play well enough in the last third when we had a majority. We have to be determined that this will be one of our strengths going forward,” says Crawford. “At the end of the game, the tension is very high and the puck bounces because the ice is not so good anymore. But we have to do better. We had a lot of good chances before that in the two power plays. You also have to give the people of Biel the give credit for playing a good boxing game.”

‘We have to play a little better’

After that, you feel that the people of Zurich will pay for this missed power play opportunity. Crawford says, “It was clear that a great goal or a curious goal would decide the game.” The second is the case. A hidden shot from Russian defender Alexander Yakovenko sails into goal. “The worst shot was in,” says Haas with relief. The fact that you survived your penalty unscathed gave the team “a little boost”.

It is not clear whether Yakovenko’s shot was deflected on its way to the goal. Some observers believe that Biel striker Fabio Hofer had his hand on the disc. Had Crawford considered taking on a Coaches Challenge? “We looked into it and came to the conclusion that it is not a matter for a challenge. And there were only two minutes left to play. We didn’t want to outnumber them,” says the 62-year-old. To cancel the goal, you should have seen not only a hand touch in the video, but also an active movement towards the puck.

Crawford doesn’t want to dwell on the missed break opportunity. “We played well. Now we have to find a way to play a little better.” Biel from Zurich hosted their second game on Saturday. The Lions have not yet lost a playoff game in the Swiss Life Arena.

Source : Blick