From their opening-night games on Thursday, both EV Zug and HPK Hämeenlinna have some parts of their games that they’re pleased with, but certainly have things that they’re not happy with.

It was expected that Zug would take all three points against Rungsted. However, the Danish champions gave them a good run for their money, and came back from two goals down to tie them 2-2 in the second period. Ultimately, the talent level on the Zug team came through but, to a man, they know that a stronger effort will be needed to beat a talented HPK squad. The game will be a special one for Zug defenceman Santeri Alatalo, who played five and a half years in the HPK system starting from the age of 17, eventually making the big club before going to Switzerland in 2012.

In Pilsen, HPK had a dreadful first period where they were outshot 13-0 but escaped scoreless thanks to the netminding of Antti Karjalainen, followed by a strong second period where they outscored Pilsen 3-1, then let Pilsen come back to tie the game in the third period before losing in overtime. The young team of unknowns that won the Finnish title last season clearly had some talent on display but weren’t on top of their game, and it’s not going to get any easier for them in Zug. The game on Thursday was HPK’s first-ever in the CHL and it’s an experience the young team will surely learn from. Expect some adjustments and a stronger effort from start to finish this time around.