'Must win' games for both teams early on
- Both teams lost on opening day
- Home loss for Bystrica would leave them in serious trouble
- 'Must win' game for Lugano to have realistic hope of qualifying
Both HC05 Banská Bystrica and HC Lugano lost on opening day but in very different fashions.
The Slovak side were well beaten by defending CHL Champions JYP Jyväskylä, going down 6-1 on home ice. Lugano on the other hand started terribly in Pilsen but rallied to tie the game, however lost to a goal in the final stages.
"I know the coach, and that they play a very aggressive, direct style of play. We'll have to play physical, too."Dan Ceman (Head Coach, Banská Bystrica)
They say you can't really have a 'must win' game after just one match played. But for HC Lugano, who will be targeting qualification from the group, a loss here would put them in a perilous position.
"Teams from the Slovak league are always fast and physical, and technically very skilled. This will be a tough challenge."Greg Ireland (Head Coach, HC Lugano)