The opening minutes of the game saw both teams feeling each other out. IFK Helsinki's Jere Innala had an early chance off a quick turnover, however the ZSC Lionss' netminder Ludovic Waeber had his number.

The first penalty of the game went to the Swiss side, and the Finns wasted no time peppering the net. IFK demonstrated solid control in the zone, but several sprawling saves by Waeber kept the Finnish side scoreless.

Midway through the first period, IFK Helsinki took their first penalty of game, however ZSC struggled to capitalise on the man advantage. The teams continued battling, with neither side yielding. Minutes before the end of the period, and on their third powerplay, a miscommunication just behind the IFK goal line nearly saw ZSC score shorthanded. 

Heading into the second period, the tensions rose after an interference call, and a subsequent scuffle between players. ZSC Lions' Yannick Weber received a 10 minute penalty for unsportmanlike conduct and both sides shifted their physicality up a gear, while shirtless ZSC fans eagerly cheered on the home side.

Things further escalated after ZSC's John Quenneville received a penalty for checking to the head and neck area. IFK's bloodied Otto Salin was helped off the ice, and a 5-minute powerplay to the Finns ensued. There were spates of opportunities for IFK, but the Swiss side successfully staved off the onslaught. 

Even strength again, ZSC regrouped and responded with several sensational opportunities, but unfortunately for the Lions, there were no conversions prior to the buzzer.

The scoring opened up in the third period starting with IFK's Otto Paajanen who managed to spin around and score, much to the surprise of the Swiss side. Moments later, Rony Ahonen scored the prettiest goal of the game, a beautiful backhander over the shoulder of ZSC's netminder.

A five minute penalty awarded to IFK midway through the third period gave ZSC a much needed break, however their efforts were unrewarded, with the Finns successfully fending off all offensive efforts by the Swiss team.

ZSC pulled their goalie in a last effort to reclaim the game, and it almost paid off when the puck passed through the slot nearly landing on the stick of Sven Andrighetto, but it wasn't to be. IFK Helsinki sealed the game with an empty netter, registering a 3-0 win as tempers flared at the buzzer.