On February 28, 2025, the EHC Basel secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over EHC Olten after two extended overtime periods, kicking off the Swiss League playoff semifinals with intense drama at the St. Jakob Arena.
The stage was set for the much-anticipated matchup, where both teams entered with fervent anticipation, especially with notable absences. The Basels missed Jules Sturny and Romain Montandon due to suspensions from earlier matches. Despite these setbacks, they started strong, showcasing determination right from the opening face-off. Just 30 seconds in, Dario Kummer nearly netted the first goal but was thwarted by Olten's goalie, Lucas Rötheli.
It was Olten who struck first, with Mark Sever taking advantage of momentum after winning a face-off. Sever drove to the center and found the back of the net with a powerful shot, giving Olten the early lead at 1-0. The pace remained high throughout the first period, with both teams displaying aggressive play. Basel became increasingly opportunistic as the game progressed, culminating when Jakob Stukel scored just before the end of the first frame, rifling the puck through Rötheli’s legs to level the score at 1-1.
The intensity escalated, but the second period saw neither team break the deadlock, even as Olten’s Eliot Antonietti had clear chances to extend their lead. Despite gaining more offensive momentum, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, with the frame ending scoreless.
Regaining energy for the final period, the ebb and flow continued, until Eric Faille of Olten was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Basel’s defense during the 46th minute. He confidently converted the shot, sending the Olten fans cheering as the score shifted to 2-1.
Basel, undeterred, quickly responded—just three minutes later, Alban Rexha, during a power play, took a hard shot which led to the equalizer at 2-2. Tensions ran high as both teams fought for supremacy, with numerous scoring opportunities resulting from frantic back-and-forth action.
With the score still tied at the end of regulation, the match advanced to overtime, and the adrenaline continued to surge. Early on, Basel appeared to regain control, generating several scoring opportunities. A massive chance arose as Stukel put the puck past Rötheli, seemingly winning the match; but after review, officials ruled the goal was scored after time had expired, leaving both teams still even.
Further intensification arrived when Faille earned another chance from the penalty spot in overtime, but this time, Henauer kept Basel alive with his save. The exhausted players continued pushing each other to the limit as the clock wound down, leading to another complete round of play.
Finally, it was Vincenzo Küng who would prove to be the difference-maker. At 88 minutes, he seized the moment, scoring the definitive goal for Basel, igniting celebration among the home fans as the score settled at 3-2. This moment stood as not just the closing note for the game but also as liberation for Basel as they gripped the first win of the playoff series.
Looking forward, EHC Basel will quickly turn their focus to the next playoff match against Olten set for Sunday evening at the Kleinholz Ice Stadium, with hopes of securing another victory and advancing toward the finals.
“It was very intense, we fought hard and the team showed great resilience,” expressed EHC Basel coach Eric Himelfarb after the match, highlighting the perseverance and drive to win. Conversely, Olten's Mark Sever lamented the outcome: “This game could have gone either way, and we ran out of luck at the end.”
With momentum on their side, Basel heads to Olten with one win already, eager to capitalize on their recent success as the playoff series continues.