On March 25, 2025, the Lausanne HC showcased a dominant performance against the SCL Tigers, winning decisively with a score of 6:2 in the playoff quarterfinals. This victory propels Lausanne into the semifinals, continuing their strong pursuit of the championship.
From the start, Lausanne controlled the game, overwhelming the Tigers. In the first period alone, they accumulated an astonishing 20 shots on goal compared to just one from Langnau, finishing the match with a total of 56 shots. In head-to-head confrontations, the SCL Tigers were simply outmatched, a feeling echoed by their coach after the game.
"We saw how the power dynamics were today. We traveled to Lausanne to reach the semifinals, so we're certainly disappointed," said Tigers' coach Paterlini in an interview with MySports. His team, having aspired to advance to the playoffs for the first time in club history, fell short amid a shaky start in the first period that saw them fall behind by two goals.
Lausanne's standout performance came from goalkeeper Stéphane Charlin, who turned in a remarkable display despite the heavy scoreline. Charlin saved 50 of the 56 shots, keeping his team within striking distance until the very end. "The 3:1 did break our neck a bit," Paterlini noted, referencing a pivotal moment in the game.
The game reached its crucial moments in the final stages, as Riat scored the fifth goal for Lausanne just eight minutes before the game's conclusion. This goal effectively sealed Langnau's fate and confirmed Lausanne's claim to a semifinal berth, scheduled to continue on March 29, 2025.
In his reflective moments, Pascal Berger, a veteran on the SCL squad, shared his sentiments post-game, acknowledging that today’s outcome marked the end of his professional career. Berger expressed pride in his contributions to the team over his years in the league. "I came here nine years ago, and although I’m very proud of the development I played a part in, I will certainly miss the locker room life," he shared.
Even though Lausanne capitalized on a lackluster performance by Langnau, they demonstrated a model of excellent playoff hockey with aggressive play and keen opportunism. As the match progressed, they showed remarkable patience, particularly in power play opportunities, leading to Bozon and Riat increasing the score significantly.
As the game concluded, the statistics reinforced the narrative that the SCL Tigers were decisively beaten. With a shot total of 56:10 by game's end, the signs pointed to a clear margin of victory that Lausanne earned rightfully. The stark contrast emphasized their readiness to move on to the next round, fulfilling their goal of high-level play.
The match served as a fitting conclusion to the season for the SCL Tigers, who now face an offseason of reflection and rebuilding as some key players consider retirement, including Berger. Coach Paterlini emphasized the need for rejuvenation ahead of future seasons, recognizing the lessons learned amid the struggles of their last series.
Overall, Lausanne's victory not only showcases their potential but also highlights the unrelenting nature of the playoffs. The upcoming game against either SC Bern or HC Davos promises to be an electrifying semifinal. For fans and teams alike, this match indicated the end of one journey and the beginning of what's next in the exhilarating landscape of Swiss hockey.