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ZSC Lions remain confident
Zurich is still in contention, despite shootout-loss to Slavia.
By Karl Huber
"We were both unlucky and lucky," said Slavia Prague goalie Adam Svoboda after the 5-4 penalty shootout win against ZSC Lions Zurich on Wednesday evening.
Stages of the game would rather be forgotten by the man in goal at the other end. Zurich legend keeper Ari Sulander looked at fault for two of the four goals conceded in regular time.
Both times the 39-year-old lost sight of the puck, and both times the puck crossed the line almost in slow motion.
"Both of the goals for the Czechs were very lucky, but that’s how it is in hockey," reasoned the Finn after the game.
However, the disappointment was accompanied by some relief: "At the end it was important that we got ourselves back into the game."
Many of the 8,220 fans in the Zürcher Hallenstadion had already given up hope with just a minute remaining, as their team trailed 4-2.
Yet thanks to two goals in just 18 second from captain Mathias Seger and Ryan Gardener, the Swiss team at least secured a point in their second game.
A point that could make a huge difference at the end of the group games.
And due to the comeback and the point gained, the final result was somewhat easier to take.
"We can be very proud of ourselves. When a team can comeback from two goals down against a team like Prague, it shows that we played well," claimed a satisfied Mathias Seger, who scored twice.
Jan Alston agreed: "We showed great character. It was a great team achievement."
The crowd also played a huge part in supporting the Lions and helping them snatch an almost certain victory from the Czech visitors.
"I want to thank the fans for their support. Hopefully it will be the same in our next home game," said coach Sean Simpson.
With four points from two games, the Swiss are still in contention in Group D.
And the confidence that the players can take from their impressive comeback against a strong Czech team will certainly push them on to strive for the group win.
Captain Mathias Seger: "We have seen in the first two games that we are not only able to keep pace at this level, but we can also put in a dominating performance."
The 30-year-old went on to spell out what is surely on everyone's mind in Zurich: "Our goal is to finish top of the group. We are all convinced that we can still do it."
