And it’s 3rd place for the LHC! By winning 4-1 on Monday evening against Zug, the Lions confirmed their good performance throughout the season and placed themselves on the National League podium.
“We didn’t arrive with the right mentality.” This is what Aurélien Marti declared on Saturday after the 4-1 defeat in Bern. Geoff Ward only made one observation: the team had not been offensive enough.
This Monday at the Vaudoise Aréna, the Lions were able to show their ability to react. The day and the night.
The Lausanne players had a very good start to the match. With in particular Damien Riat who put pressure on the Zougois from the 3rd minute with a shot which ended up on the post, even if an entire half of the ice rink had believed in the opening of the score.
The first third will be made up of Lausanne attempts and an almost non-existent Zougoise team. The statistics are glaring: 18 shots on target for the LHC, only 5 for the visitors. Goals, it could have already rained in these first 20 minutes. “It’s a bit frustrating,” admits Damien Riat, LHC striker. We have to stay focused and know that we are doing good things if we have so many opportunities and that it will come back at some point. That’s what we said in our heads.”
1 line, 3 attackers, 3 goals
However, the 7,476 spectators at Malley had to wait until the 22nd minute to start seeing the goals fall. The opener was signed by Miikka Salomäki. Riat was able to recover the puck, lost by Leon Muggli, behind the cage and center. The Finnish forward only had to push the puck into the back of the net. “Our line worked hard throughout the match, analyzes the number 22 of the Lions. That’s how we got the puck. Damien pressed hard. Then he found me and it was quite easy to score from that angle.”
And if the Lions were in great form this Monday, they also wanted to spice up the game by putting themselves in a little difficulty. How? By triggering a general brawl which sent two Lausanne residents to the penalty box. A classic now in the Vaudois ranks. Geoff Ward’s men ultimately did quite well since Leon Muggli and Dario Simion were also punished. And that Arno Nussbaumer joined them a few seconds later for a stick shot, ultimately offering two minutes of numerical advantage to the LHC. Powerplay from which the Lions will benefit once again.
But not enough to distract the tenants of the Vaudoise Aréna. The 2-0 fell in the 36th. Salomäki took possession of the puck in the corner. The Finn passed to Riat towards the blue line. No. 9 shot and Jason Fuchs, in front of the goal, deflected the puck just enough to score.
And as there is never a 2 without 3, the people of Lausanne further consolidated their lead in the process. A third goal scored, a third time, by the 2nd line Salomäki-Fuchs-Riat. Fuchs, on the right, passes to Salomäki, on the other side of the ice, who passes to Riat in the center. The puck passes close to Leonardo Genoni’s pads and No. 9 has just enough time to push the puck between the goalie’s skate and the post.
Indomitable Lions in their cage
The third third was also a festival of great opportunities for the people of Lausanne. Like this escape from Théo Rochette which earned him a nice face-to-face with Genoni. But the Zougois goalkeeper made an equally good save.
It must be said, however, that the Bossard Arena infirmary is very full. Six players are currently injured, including 3 foreigners. The composition of the Central Switzerland team was turned upside down. Hence the fact of seeing Sven Senteler leave the attacking lines to join the defenders. Did this have an impact on the players on the ice? Yes and no according to Damien Riat.
Zug still found the way to goal in the 48th minute. Riley Sheen was able to leave alone in front of Kevin Pasche’s cage (assist: Andreas Wingerli). Lawrence Pilut was not fast enough to counter him. The Lausanne defender’s dive onto the ice, a last resort to avoid the inevitable, was not enough.
It was Théo Rochette who, completely forgotten by the opposing defense, sealed the score. Perfectly served by Antti Suomela, the young attacker was able to place the puck right in the center of the goal (55th).
On the way to Davos
The LHC was already assured of playing in the playoffs before this meeting. But this last day of the regular season would freeze the ranking, at least for the top 6. And thanks to this success, the Lausanne residents climbed onto the 3rd step of the podium. “It’s really nice,” says Miikka Salomäki. “We’re very happy with how we played during the regular season. It’s important to ensure a good place in the playoffs.” The Finnish striker still contains his joy a little. “We did it, it’s good, but now the real matches begin.”
And yes, the next step is the quarter-finals. And the results of this Monday evening gave Davos as opponent to Lausanne. A team completely within their sporting reach. The LHC won three times against Graubünden in the regular season. The scores had often been very close, which promises a great showing. Except that playing Davos also involves long travel, not necessarily ideal when you play a match every two days.
But for now, that thought is far from the players’ minds. “Honestly, I think it doesn’t matter which team we play against. I’m confident, it doesn’t matter who we play against, I don’t care,” smiles Miikka Salomäki.
At the start of the season, the objective for Lausanne HC was simply to qualify for the playoffs. After 52 matches, it’s done and, what’s more, in style. With this 3rd place, it’s probably more than expected. Will this allow the team to approach these series in a calm manner?
Thanks to their 3rd rank, the Lausannois will have the advantage of the ice for this quarter-final against Davos. The first match will therefore take place at the Vaudoise Aréna. It will be Sunday March 17 at 8 p.m.