Eight teams wil lbe reduced to four, and more great games are in store, as tonight's matches decide the 2015–16 Champions Hockey League semi-finalists!
Karpat Oulu vs. Espoo Blues (0–2)
Oulun Energia-Areena, 17:30
With their well-documented off-ice problems, the Espoo Blues stand on the cusp of a mini-fairytale if they could make the Champions Hockey League Semi-Finals. They head to Oulu two goals up, although will meet a Karpat side coming of the back of an 8–2 thrashing of IFK Helsinki.
"Of course successes feed our confidence, but we also had a good game under our belt before we lost in Espoo last week so that means nothing on its own," said coach Lauri Marjamaki. "We have a good feeling heading into tonight though, a two-goal deficit isn't something we can't overturn."
Lukko Rauma vs. TPS Turku (3–3)
Kivikylan Areena, 17:30
It's 'winner takes all' in Rauma, with Lukko and TPS tied going in to tonight's second leg. Two late goals in last week's match saw TPS draw level with their opponents, although Lukko will not be forgetting that the were 3–1 up in that game and seemingly in control before the home side's fightback.
"We were leading 3–1 in the end and then TPS got the score even," Lukko assistant coach Juho Vuori summed up last week's game. "Lately we have been having trouble scoring but in this game we were able to get to the net and put the puck in so in that sense it was a good performance. We just need to keep in mind that this game is the deciding one."
Skelleftea AIK vs. HC Davos (1–1)
Skelleftea Kraft Arena, 19:00
It's also 'winner takes all' in Skelleftea, as HC Davos visit after last week's fantastic low-scoring draw in Switzerland. Both sides competed well last week, and fans will be hoping for another exciting game in the return leg tonight.
"I don't think they'll change their game-plan much at all. They'll play pretty much the same way, but playing at home, they'll also be more comfortable as all teams are," said HC Davos's Swedish winger Marcus Paulsson. "It's going be tough for us to beat them – we will have to step it up a couple of levels if we want to get a win there."
Frolunda Gothenburg vs. Lulea Hockey (2–3)
Frolundaborgs Isstadion, 20:00
In the reverse of last year's final, Lulea take a slender one-goal advantage to Gothenburg as they look to defend their trophy until at least the semi-final stage. That said, neither team seems to be placing too much emphasis on the score form last week's meeting.
”It will be a tough game, but we have a fair chance with just one goal down," said talented Frolunda defenceman Lukas Bengtsson. "Speed and intensity is crucial for us and we have scored a lot of goals at home this season. The important thing is to play our own game.”
"Our players are feeling fresh and we are having a nice atmosphere within the group. Everyone is really looking forward to the game against Frolunda in Gothenburg. And the fact that we have one more goal scored than them does not matter at all right now," added Lulea Coach Joacim Fagervall. "There is only one objective for today's game, and that is to win the game!"