The latest tussle between Switzerland's top two ice hockey sides ended in a stalemate on Tuesday night as the Zurich Lions and Lugano ground out a 1-1 draw.

In a match dominated by defensive play, Zurich appeared to have snatched victory late on, after Michel Zeiter put the home side ahead in the 56th minute. But the home supporters in Zurich's Hallenstadion were to go home disappointed.

With just 15 seconds of regular time remaining, Jean-Jacques Aeschlimann equalised for Lugano. Overtime failed to separate last year's Swiss playoff finalists, leaving the Lions four points clear of their Ticinese rivals at the top of the league table.

Third-placed Davos were unable to take advantage of the result in Zurich, after losing 2-1 at home to Fribourg. Zug, meanwhile, moved to within two points of Davos after thrashing Bern 8-4.

Bottom side La Chaux-de-Fonds were also in a high-scoring mood, enjoying a 5-3 win over Rapperswil. The victory was only the fourth of the season for La Chaux-de-Fonds who still require several miracles to pull clear of the play-outs.

Chur are almost certain to be joining them, after being beaten 4-1 by Langnau, Chur's 23rd defeat of the season.

In the night's other match, Ambri-Piotta stayed a couple of points clear of the cut-off line after a 1-1 draw away to Kloten.

swissinfo with agencies

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