A late goal by Elias Rosén clinched a 2-1 win for the Växjö Lakers against Sparta Prague in the Champions Hockey League quarterfinals. The match was marked by strong defensive performances on both sides.
Both goalkeepers delivered outstanding performances in the first period. Växjö’s Adam Åhman and Sparta’s Josef Kořenář—making his playoff debut—pulled off impressive saves, keeping the game goalless after 20 minutes.
Växjö had the only powerplay opportunity of the first period when Sparta’s Valtteri Kemiläinen was penalised for high-sticking. However, Sparta’s penalty kill, which had successfully defended seven of eight powerplays in their round of 16 series against Oceláři Třinec, held firm once again, denying the Swedish side.
In the second period, Sparta took the lead with the evening’s opening goal. New signing Michael Špaček, formerly of Genève-Servette, capitalised on a rebound in front of the net, putting the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 35th minute. The goal marked Špaček’s 13th point of the current CHL season.
However, the Swedish visitors equalised just three minutes later. Sebastian Strandberg capitalised on a scramble in front of the net, slotting the puck home to make it 1-1.
With time running out, the Växjö Lakers delivered a late winner. In the 58th minute, a Sparta turnover in their defensive zone allowed Félix Robert to set up an unmarked Elias Rosén, who scored decisively. The goal gave the Swedish team a slight advantage heading into the second leg.
The return leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Sparta Prague determined to overturn the narrow deficit on the road and keep their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.
