Bern, Lions and Flyers through to semi-finals
Bern, the Zurich Lions and the Kloten Flyers have cruised into the ice hockey semi-finals, each completing their fourth successive win. The qualifying league-leaders, Lugano, improved their chances of reaching the semis after winning their game in Fribourg, 4-3.
However, Lugano needed a goal in overtime on Thursday evening to complete their victory against a Fribourg side that only narrowly made it into the playoffs.
Lugano lead 3-1 in the best-of-seven series and can assure themselves a place in the semis with a home win on Saturday.
Kloten stormed ahead of their opponents, Zug, in the opening period of their match on Thursday, scoring three goals. They never looked back and trounced Zug 5-0.
The Zurich Lions also looked in fine form and took an early lead against Lake Zurich rivals, Rapperswil-Jona. After being down 1-3 in the first period, Rapperswil matched the Lions’ two goals in the second.
However, Larry Huras’s side sealed their victory in the third period where they scored three goals without reply, winning the game 8-3.
Bern won their playoff match against the Spengler Cup winners of Davos 4-2. The triumph booked Bern’s place in the series, after scoring the fourth and vital point in the best-of-seven series.
swissinfo with agencies
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.