Lugano ice hockey club have begun the Swiss league playoff finals in style, crushing arch-rivals the Zurich Lions 3-0 at the Resega stadium.

The Ticinese side, who lost out in the finals to Zurich last season, wasted little time in their search for revenge. With just two minutes played, Régis Fuchs fired the home side in front.

It wasn't until the closing stages of the final period that Lugano were able to relax though. Fuchs was again the man of the moment, grabbing his second goal in the 53rd minute from a Flavien Conne assist.

Conne then scored himself with just four minutes remaining to complete a dream start for Lugano in the best-of-seven series.

Jim Koleff's men will need no reminder, though, of the size of the task which still lies ahead. Lugano also managed to win the first match of last year's series before losing the deciding match through a goal scored ten seconds from the end of regular time.

swissinfo with agencies

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