Just one goal separates Växjö and Bern at the opening faceoff in Sweden.

Having gone into last week’s match off the back of two straight losses, the Växjö Lakers now have home comfort and the confidence from two SHL wins in a row as well. Those wins ensure they stay at the top of the table in their own league, as they look to overturn the one-goal deficit. At this stage of last year’s competition, the Lakers were 2-0 down to the ZSC lions after 20 minutes of the return game but came back to take the game, and matchup, 3-2.

"It was important for us to get back in the game at the start of the third period,” said Lakers’ Head Coach Sam Hallam. “Hopefully we'll take less penalties, and if our PP can deliver like Bern's did then we'll turn this around."

SC Bern still top the Swiss National League and got their first domestic win in five over the weekend, where both of their games were decided in overtime. The Bears take a one-goal lead to Växjö but will be mindful of their poor road form in the CHL this season which saw them lose all three groups games in Nottingham, Hradec Králové and Turku, respectively. They did, however, turn around a 3-2 deficit in Munich last time out – confidence that they can win on the road but a reminder of how perilous a lead it can be.

“It was two good teams (last week), and I’m happy that we start one goal ahead,” said Head Coach Kari Jalonen. “The result was good for us, and now we’re looking forward to the return game.”