In a thrilling showdown at Vaudoise Aréna in Lausanne, the Fribourg Dragons edged out the Lausanne HC 3-2 in a nail-biting overtime victory, taking a 2-1 lead in their playoff series. The match, attended by 9,600 fans, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing intense competition and remarkable performances from both teams.
Lausanne started strong, with Ken Jäger scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute on a power play. Jäger deftly deflected a shot from Gavin Bayreuther, sending the puck past Fribourg's goalie Reto Berra to give Lausanne a 1-0 lead. The home team continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off again when Andrea Glauser found the net in the 41st minute, extending their lead to 2-0.
However, Fribourg was not ready to back down. They fought back valiantly, and in the 45th minute, Samuel Walser scored during a double power play, cutting Lausanne's lead to 2-1. This goal ignited a spark in the Dragons, who were determined to turn the tide.
As the clock wound down in the third period, the tension reached a fever pitch. With just over a minute left, Fribourg pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, and the gamble paid off. Yannick Rathgeb scored a dramatic equalizer in the 59th minute, sending the game into overtime and leaving the crowd breathless.
Overtime was a battle of wills, with both teams creating scoring chances but failing to convert during the first period. Lausanne had several power play opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net, while Fribourg also pressed hard, looking for the game-winner.
Finally, it was Julien Sprunger who emerged as the hero for Fribourg. In the second overtime period, after a chaotic play in front of the net, Sprunger managed to score the decisive goal at 94 minutes and 42 seconds, sealing the victory for the Dragons. His goal not only clinched the win but also shifted the momentum in the series, giving Fribourg a crucial advantage.
This victory came at a cost for Fribourg, as they were without their star player Lucas Wallmark, who was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an injury sustained in the previous game. Wallmark had been a key contributor in the playoffs, racking up five points before his untimely exit. His absence was felt heavily, particularly as Fribourg tried to find the right combinations to compensate for his loss.
In light of Wallmark's injury, coach Lars Leuenberger faces tough decisions on how to adjust his lineup. Potential replacements include Sandro Schmid, Jakob Lilja, Christoph Bertschy, and Killian Mottet, each bringing different strengths to the ice. The team must find a way to maintain their competitive edge without their playmaker, and the pressure is on as they prepare for the next game.
Lausanne, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to level the series. Despite their strong start, they struggled to maintain momentum in the latter stages of the game. Coach John Fust expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of physical play and maintaining pressure on the puck.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to adapt their strategies. Fribourg's ability to capitalize on power plays has proven crucial, while Lausanne must find ways to convert their opportunities into goals. With the next game set for Saturday at the BCF Arena, fans can expect another exhilarating matchup as both teams vie for supremacy in this tightly contested playoff series.
With the stakes higher than ever, the rivalry between Lausanne and Fribourg continues to heat up, promising more drama and excitement in the coming games. Will Lausanne find their footing and even the series, or can Fribourg capitalize on their recent momentum to push ahead? The answer will unfold in the next chapter of this thrilling playoff saga.
