Davos stretch lead

Davos' Bjoern Christen tries to push his way through Zurich's defence Keystone

Davos have increased their lead in the Swiss ice hockey championship after defeating the titleholders, the Zurich Lions, 4-2 on Saturday.

Playing in front of a record 6,000 spectators, both teams put on a good show, with the Graubünden team coming out on top in a game where offence was the keyword. Swiss international Patrick Fischer scored twice for Davos.

Davos now have a seven-point cushion over Zug, who were defeated at home by Bern, 1-5. The Bears won their second match in as many days, with three defensemen scoring.

Lugano’s Friday night recovery from the doldrums was short-lived. Against Langnau, the effects of the return of Jim Koleff as coach had already worn off. The Tigers defeated the Bianconeri 3-2.

Fribourg, who were blanked by Lugano on Friday, didn’t seem to have suffered any ill effects from that defeat. Facing Lausanne for the third time this season, the Dragons scored four times in the first period, winning 6-1.

Ambri-Piotta struggled against Chur at home, managing only to draw three-all with the visitors. The Biancoblu drew level in the last seven minutes of regular play.

Kloten also continued to improve, defeating Rapperswil 4-3. The Flyers Finnish forward, Kimmo Rintanen, scored twice.

Saturday’s results:

Davos – Zurich Lions 4-2 (2-0 2-1 0-1)
Ambri – Chur 3-3 (2-0 0-2 1-1)
Fribour – Lausanne 6-1 (4-1 1-0 1-0)
Kloten – Rapperswil 4-3 (1-1 2-0 1-2)
Langnau – Lugano 3-2 (1-1 1-1 1-0)
Zug – Bern 1-5 (1-1 0-3 0-1)

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