The idea of using the results of Pardubice, Fribourg, and Straubing in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) as a benchmark for the Spengler Cup may seem absurd at first glance. However, they do show how the three teams perform against international opponents—unless there's a major surprise.

In the last group game of the so-called "Regular Season," Fribourg and Straubing faced off against each other last Tuesday, which made for an especially interesting comparison for Spengler Cup analysts. The Swiss team had already qualified for the CHL playoffs and rested many key players. Straubing, on the other hand, was barely holding onto one of the last playoff spots and desperately needed points. The Germans approached the game with determination, scoring early and registering more than twice as many shots on goal as the Dragons (37:17) over the 60 minutes.

Despite falling behind early, Fribourg, which has struggled to get going in the national championship and at one point even slipped to second-to-last place in the standings, played smartly. Due to their secure playoff position, they played with more freedom than in recent league games. By scoring two goals in the last seconds of the first two periods, they not only turned the game around but also increased the pressure on the Tigers. Straubing managed to tie the game just before the final whistle, pulling themselves back into the fight, but ultimately fell in overtime. Nevertheless, the one point they earned was enough to secure the 15th and second-to-last CHL playoff spot.

With the overtime win against Skellefteå AIK, the close game against the ZSC Lions, where Straubing led until the 55th minute, and especially the home win against Spengler Cup participant Pardubice, the Germans proved in this CHL campaign that they can compete on equal footing with top international teams. Next, they face Swiss champions ZSC Lions in the round of 16—a tough draw but not an impossible challenge.

Fribourg, on the other hand, demonstrated that the team is capable of playing better than its current position in the Swiss National League suggests. In the games against Sheffield, Hamar, and Klagenfurt, the Dragons didn't falter and fully lived up to their role as favorites. They also made a strong statement with a 9-3 victory against DEL top team Berlin. These international matchups, without the pressure of the Swiss league, seem to suit Fribourg. Ideal conditions, then, for the Spengler Cup. Their next CHL round of 16 opponent is another top team: Sweden's Växjö Lakers.

Pardubice showed a very different face in this CHL qualification. In the Extraliga, the team is tied for the top spot with Litvínov and is firmly on track for the playoffs, as expected. In the CHL, however, Pardubice surprisingly dropped many points. In addition to losses against Lahti, Straubing, and Berlin, they also suffered a shootout loss to English champions Sheffield on the final matchday. It was one loss too many for the Czech powerhouse. Due to the higher total number of wins in the event of a tie, Dynamo slipped below the playoff line and had to end its CHL campaign, and its title ambitions, earlier than expected.

Head coach Marek Zadina already took action following the disappointing start to the season, stepping down on October 9 after the club management considered strengthening his assistant coaching staff. Sports director Petr Sýkora is now tasked with finding a new head coach early in the season—a demanding job in a highly ambitious team. For now, assistant coach Václav Baďouček is leading the team.

It can be assumed that after their CHL disappointment, Dynamo Pardubice will come to the Spengler Cup even more motivated.

Text: Spengler Cup-Onlineredaktion   Foto: CHL