Lukko Rauma return to the Kivikylän Areena on 3 December to open their Quarter-Finals with Switzerland’s EV Zug, after both sides advanced from highly contrasting Round of 16 series. Lukko needed a late surge to eliminate Storhamar Hamar, overturning deficits in both games through explosive third-period scoring, while Zug controlled their match-up against Sparta Prague from the start, winning the First Game 6-0 and ultimately securing an 8-3 aggregate victory.

Lukko’s First Game in Norway demanded patience, as Storhamar built a 2-0 lead before the Finns erupted with a three-goal third period. Alex Beaucage sparked the comeback on the powerplay, Steven Jandric levelled the contest from close range, and Eric Gélinas finished the turnaround with a precise low shot to earn a 3-2 win to open the series.

The Return Game in Rauma was a more open affair. Storhamar struck first and again pulled within reach in the second period, but Lukko’s offence responded with timely execution. Aarne Intonen’s composed finish, Pontus Westerholm’s clever redirection, and two third-period powerplay markers from Jandric and Westerholm allowed Lukko to pull away. Mikael Ruohomaa’s late one-timer sealed the aggregate win and reaffirmed Lukko’s depth and resilience under pressure.

Zug’s path was more emphatic. Their First Game against Sparta showcased their most dominant performance of the campaign. Six different scorers found the net, including David Sklenička and Fabrice Herzog, while Leonardo Genoni earned his sixth career CHL shutout. The Swiss side followed with a professional display in Prague. Although Sparta struck three times and eventually won the game, Zug controlled key moments and never let Sparta get close to an aggregate lead.

This Quarter-Final series promises an intriguing contrast. Lukko’s strength lies in their balanced attack. Alex Beaucage, Steven Jandric, and Antoine Morand all drive offence, while Antti Raanta’s experience steadies them in net. Zug counter with elite finishing talent from Dominik Kubalík and Grégory Hofmann, supported by a strong defence and the proven reliability of Leonardo Genoni.

Special teams have been pivotal for both clubs and may once again define the margins. With Lukko’s powerplay heating up and Zug’s penalty kill among the CHL’s most efficient, the battle of execution could decide momentum early in the series.