At Malley, where he had won his three matches in the final of the last play-offs against the same Zurich, the LHC ended the series of six consecutive victories of the reigning champion, inflicting on him his third defeat of the exercise. Only Friborg and Kloten had managed to bring down ZSC this season in the National League.
Geoff Ward’s men, visibly little affected by the slap they received two days earlier during the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against Genève-Servette (5-0), displayed a conquering face worthy of their new status as leader. They outrageously dominated the first third, cementing their control with two goals. The first came from a master shot from the Czech David Sklenicka (10th). The second of Michael Hugli’s opportunism, after excellent work provided by Fabian Heldner (12th).
The success of the Vaudois Lions, who could have increased the score during the following two periods, also bears the mark of Kevin Pasche. The young LHC goalkeeper (21 years old) continued the momentum of his very good start to the season. After a slight scare in the 3rd minute of play, he gained momentum throughout the match, showing himself to be unfazed by Zurich’s attacks, and in particular those of Denis Malgin. The Swiss international, the most active Zurich resident on Thursday, saw all his attempts being repulsed with authority by the Vaud goalkeeper (14th, 33rd, 39th).
Well helped by his defense – and the encouragement of the more than 9,000 Lausanne supporters – Kevin Pasche also did not break down during the last two Zurich power plays, at the end of the third period. He thus signed his fourth shutout of the season in the championship.
Lausanne will have the opportunity to confirm its new status on Friday in Zug. Zurich, for its part, will try to react during the Davos reception.
