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Lugano often just one small step short from success

Lugano are performing better than the look on the league table could suggest. The away team is also working hard, but it is clear their offensive lineup is lacking quality. They didn't win a single game in the regular time so far...

Lugano performed good against Zug. They had 56 shots on goal and leading 3-2 with just 6 minutes left on the clock. But, they still managed to lose that game...

That was a really excellent game to watch, with lots of chances, goals and fantastic saves. But, in the end, it will probably be remembered only for a very brutal foul form Zug's forward Holden. Home team player Vauclair is still feeling the consequences and he is possible out for today's match

- Holden is my friend and I know he looses his temper from time to time. But, that just can't go on forever. Since this isn't his first time, I think he should be kicked out from the competition. There is no guarantee he won't do something like that again - home coach Fischer said after the game (and probably lost his friend).

It is still unknown if Vauclait is going to be fit to play, and Fischer told to the press he will decide about that in the last moment. The same thing stands for Dan Fritsche as he injured his shoulder during yesterday's training.

Of course, this is very bad news for the home team as they are already struggling this season. Their offense is not looking good and young goalie Merzklikins showed in the game against Zug that he is still not capable for performing on the highest level all the time. It is quite possible we could see Manzato in front of their goal today (Fluckiger is still allegedly out sick).

- We play a lot better than the results might suggest. Still, I am certain we will get even better as the time advances. We have some quality players in the offense and we will start turning those chances into goals sooner or later - home team coach said.

Biel were looking good against Fribourg. They had a lot more shots on goal than their opponents but they were also not even close to winning points that day. The general impression was that Fribourg have controlled that game without too much trouble.

Coach Schlapfer wasn't very happy after the match. His team is the only one in the league without a single game won in the regular time. True, they have 5 draws (out of 9) but they won't be satisfied with that.

The away team still waits for some big foreign signing to improve their offensive game. They are still struggling in the attack and they work too hard for every goal. Wetzel's injury certainly won't help them to improve in that area of the game. With two goals and one assist he was one of their most efficient players. That says enough about their offensive game this season...

Meili will most certainly be in front of the goal for Biel as their other goalie Rytz is on a short term loan at Servette. 

Both teams on a bad streak, but unlike Biel, the home team have grounds for hoping they will improve. Their roster is good, regardless of the few injured players. Against Zug they had plenty of opportunities to win, and good players like McLean and Metropolit missed shots they usually do not. A rerun of such poor performance is highly unlikely, especially against possibly the worst team on the league. Biel are trying hard, but lack quality on the offense. Meili is a decent goalie, but not a great one that can save matches singlehandedly as Berra was. Easily defeated in 5 away games, and I think they are about to have their sixth. Biel coach Schlapfer was not very optimistic and looking at his roster I can only sympathize. Opting on the away team scoring fewer than 2.5 is also good but, personally, I will go for Lugano winning. If they don’t score a lot against Biel, then against whom will they? You can’t play against Rappeerswil every week