Tappara Tampere host Färjestad Karlstad in an exciting Round of 16 showdown in the first round of the Champions Hockey League Playoffs. The first leg of this Nordic clash will take place at the Nokia Arena in Tampere. This will be an interesting game to watch, as both teams look to advance further into the tournament.

Despite their long CHL histories, Tappara and Färjestad have faced each other only once, earlier this season on Game Day 4. That game was highly competitive, filled with emotion and many penalties powerplays on both sides. Färjestad ultimately claimed victory, taking home the full three points, but both teams left knowing that they were in for a tough battle if they met again. Now, as they face off in the Playoffs, both teams are well-prepared to give their best in this important rematch.

Färjestad had an exceptional Regular Season, leading the Standings with 17 points, three points clear of second-placed ZSC Lions Zurich. Their flawless record includes six wins, with 26 goals scored and only 10 conceded. Färjestad came into the season strong, opening with a 5-0 victory over the Lahti Pelicans, followed by wins against KAC Klagenfurt, Fehérvár AV19, and their old-new Playoffs opponent Tappara. Their closest game was against Oceláři Třinec, which had to be decided in overtime. They ended the Regular Season confidently with a two-goal win over Storhamar Hamar, cementing their strong form.

Tappara’s journey has been more challenging, as they barely made the Playoffs, finishing in 16th place with a mixed record of three wins and three losses. The 2022/23 CHL Champions, who failed to qualify for the Playoffs for the very first time in their CHL history last season, started their season with setbacks, including a shootout loss to Sparta Prague and a 5-1 defeat to Dynamo Pardubice. They bounced back on Game Day 3 with a 6-1 win over Rouen Dragons, but their momentum weakened in their next game against Färjestad. Tappara managed a win over SønderjyskE Vojens but ended with a loss to Lausanne HC, making their Playoff qualification a close call.

Key players to watch include Färjestad’s standout netminder Maxime Lagacé, who boasts a 94.37% save percentage in four games played and has been the backbone of their defence. For Tappara, Kristian Tanus has been vital to their offence, scoring three goals and five assists for his team.

This Round of 16 clash brings together two determined teams with high hopes for the Playoffs. Färjestad will be eager to repeat their Game Day 4 performance, while Tappara aim to turn the tables on home ice and claim victory.