Leads were exchanged several times in the First Game of the Round of 16 series between ZSC Lions Zurich and KalPa Kuopio, as the teams enter their Return Game at the Olvi Areena knotted at 4-4. Just when it appeared as though one of them had the edge, the other would return the favour in this battle between two of the best in the league. Reigning CHL Champions Zurich were able to battle their way back and secured the game-tying goal off the stick of Sven Andrighetto, who now has four goals in as many games played.

KalPa were quick to respond to the Swiss team's opening tally with two of their own within the span of three minutes. Andreas Okany scored first for the Finns and then Tuukka Korkiakoski followed suit. It wasn't until near the 32-minute mark that Zurich were able to level the score and then eventually take the lead. 

If KalPa hope to continue their season, keeping the Swiss side at bay as they did in the previous fixture would be a good way to gain their ticket to the Quarter-Finals. What would help matters is having more success on the PK. In the First Game, both the Swiss side's opening goal and closing tally was secured on the man-advantage. If the Finns manage to plug this hole, and maintain equal success at equal-strength play, they could come away with an upset against a strong squad.

Zurich's Playoffs qualification didn't come easy. However, despite losing their last three games of the Regular Season, the Swiss side were able to find their way into the Round of 16 and did well holding their own against a top team in KalPa. With things shifting to the Finns' arena, they'll need to prove once again why their bid for a repeat is all the more realistic since KalPa have been perfect on home ice.

To do this, they'll not only need better 5-on-5 play, but also better stats on special teams. As of now, Zurich are currently tied for 16th place in powerplay conversion percentage, only having converted three times on 19 opportunities. Fortunately, they found twine twice on the man-advantage against a solid PK in KalPa, and recreating that same success could only increase their chances of remaining in the tournament.