Ilves Tampere's trip to Czechia was extremely successful as they toppled Kometa Brno by a final of 5-0. The Finns scored once in the first, twice in the second, and sealed their fifth win with two more in the third to remain perfect through five contests. ZSC Lions Zurich also suited up against a Czech club in Sparta Prague, but with a different result as they fell 2-1 and failed to secure their place in the Playoffs while dropping further in the standings. 

Neither side managed much in the opening period between Zurich and Sparta, but when the lamp was eventually lit, it was the visitors notching two in a span of six minutes. Roman Horák secured his third goal of the campaign and Devin Shore improved his club's lead to two goals when he finished off a highlight-reel worthy backhander. Zurich did their best to battle back, with Vinzenz Rohrer scoring at 39:17, but a dominant defensive effort from the Czechs foiled the Swiss' bid at finding the equaliser.

While being one of the best teams at preventing pucks from entering the net, the Swiss have equally been one of the worst teams and depositing them, mustering a pedestrian 2.20 goals per game which is tied for 19th place league wide. Suffice to say, the offensive spark that sent them to the Champions Hockey League Final is conspicuously absent and needs addressing now if they hope to continue their Title defence.

While the reigning Champions are struggling to score, Ilves have been anything but, having scored an average of 4.00 goals per game. The Finns' defence is also atop the metrics, only allowing an unbelievable 1.20 goals against per game, courtesy of spectacular netminding from both backstops, but particularly Roope Taponen, who sports 97.37 SV% and 1.95 GAA to go along with one shutout.

Nevertheless, the Swiss have shown themselves to be capable competitors at times this season and Ilves can't afford to sit on their laurels just yet. Maintaining that dominance at both ends of the ice with be pivotal if they want to keep their record perfect.