Lausanne HC host Luleå Hockey with the Swiss side doubtless looking for a lead to take with them when they visit the former champions in seven days' time.

In their debut season, Lausanne have not just impressed in making it this far, but have also posted some notable results in getting this far. Beating former Semi-Finalists HC Pilsen in the Last 16 brought them to this stage, but they also came through an exceptionally competitive Group D on top of another former Semi-Finalist in Oceláři Třinec. What's been noticeable for the Swiss team is that they hadn't lost a CHL game in regulation until Pilsen's victory in the return leg. 

In their own league, Lausanne sit fifth overall after 25 games, but have played more than a few of the teams around them. They've won three of their last six, but importantly in two of the losses they forced overtime - again showing that this is a team that are exceptionally hard to beat over 60 minutes.

Former champions Luleå Hockey are making their first appearance in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions Hockey League since their trip to the Semis in 2015/16. Back then they saw off Tappara 6-2 over two legs, but did lose 2-1 in Tampere before turning things around at home. After winning their group and getting past SC Bern in the Last 16 somewhat comfortably in the end, the Swedish side have gone about their business quietly but effectively this campaign.

Luleå lead the SHL with 47 points from 22 games, and are a win clear of Frölunda below them. They've been on a dream run of late with eight straight wins across all competitions, and just one loss in their last 16 games in SHL and CHL combined. Solid defense has been part of that - they're giving up just 1.7 goals per game on average in the SHL.

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