The Odense Bulldogs acquitted themselves well in their first two CHL games, and in their home debut against ZSC Lions Zurich, they put on a respectable showing against the defending CHL Champs, falling 4-2.

The first period was scoreless, with goaltender Niklas Lundström adding to his CHL-leading save total.

Zurich finally broke through in the first minute of the second period, with Sven Andrighetto scoring on a breakaway.

Less than a minute later, however, the Bulldogs replied with their first-ever CHL goal at home to even the score. Breaking into the Zurich zone, Markus Jensen faked a shot and then sent a pass across to Joakim Thelin, who one-timed it home.

Just past the 25-minute mark, Zurich went back in front. Lundström stopped the initial shot, which was deflected, but Derek Grant was left all alone at the side of the net to put in the rebound.

Just past the game’s midpoint, an injury forced Lundström to leave the game in favour of Frederik Søgaard. However, the loss of their starting goalie didn’t sink the Bulldogs. In fact, just a few minutes later on a Zurich powerplay, Søgaard made an incredible glove save on a one-timer from Grant that was headed just under the crossbar.

Early in the third period, Thelin netted his second equaliser, this one a tap-in following a nice passing play involving Jonathan Brinkman Andersen.

Just after the Bulldogs killed off a penalty, Brinkman came out of the penalty box and got a breakaway. He was fouled by a slash and awarded a penalty shot. On his shot attempt, he tried to go high blocker side on Robin Zumbühl but missed.

With 4:36 to play, Thierry Bader finally put the Lions ahead for good, beating Søgaard with a perfect wrister over the glove.

With just 20 seconds to play, Rūdolfs Balcers’ empty-net goal sealed the victory for Zurich.