Rapperswil-Jona Lakers Seize Advantage in National League Play-In Series Against Bern
The Rapperswil-Jona Lakers took a significant step towards securing a playoff berth in the Swiss National League, defeating SC Bern 2-1 in the first leg of their play-in series on Sunday, March 16, 2026. The victory gives the Lakers a crucial advantage heading into the second game, as they aim to extend their season and continue their pursuit of the championship title. The atmosphere was electric at the PostFinance Arena in Bern, but ultimately it was the visiting Lakers who capitalized on key opportunities to gain the upper hand in this best-of-three series.
Despite a strong start from Bern, who came out with considerable energy, Rapperswil-Jona managed to silence the home crowd early on. Tyler Moy, the Lakers’ leading scorer, opened the scoring just 103 seconds into the game, deftly redirecting a shot from defenseman Mauro Dufner past Bern’s goaltender. According to reports, Moy’s quick goal set the tone for a tightly contested match, showcasing the Lakers’ ability to capitalize on offensive chances.
Bern responded swiftly, leveling the score at 1-1 just over four minutes later. Miro Aaltonen, after a recent scoring drought, found the back of the net, providing a much-needed boost for the home team. Aaltonen’s goal marked his sixth of the season in 46 games, a notable improvement after a one-month suspension last season for testing positive for cocaine while playing for Kloten, followed by seven goals in eleven games with SCB upon his return. As detailed by Swisscom blue News, this goal was particularly significant for Aaltonen, signaling a potential return to form for the Finnish forward.
Rask’s Decisive Goal Secures Lead for Rapperswil-Jona
The game remained fiercely competitive, with both teams battling for control. A penalty to Bern’s Marco Müller for a high-sticking infraction provided Rapperswil-Jona with a power-play opportunity. Although Dominic Lammer initially negated the advantage with a hooking penalty of his own, the Lakers ultimately regained the lead during a subsequent 4-on-4 situation. Victor Rask, capitalizing on space in the slot, fired a shot past Bern’s Melvin Nyffeler, putting Rapperswil-Jona ahead 2-1. This goal proved to be the game-winner, solidifying the Lakers’ position in the series.
Bern had a golden opportunity to equalize shortly after Rask’s goal, but Marco Lehmann’s solo effort was thwarted by a crucial save from Lakers’ goaltender Melvin Nyffeler. Despite a late push, Bern was unable to break through Rapperswil-Jona’s defense, leaving them trailing as the final buzzer sounded. The Bernese had previously enjoyed a six-game winning streak against Rapperswil-Jona at home, making this defeat particularly stinging.
Looking Ahead: The Second Leg in Rapperswil-Jona
The second game of the play-in series is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at the Lakers’ home arena in Rapperswil-Jona, with a puck drop at 8:00 PM local time. According to Sofascore, this match will be pivotal in determining which team advances to the playoffs. If the series remains tied after the second game, an “Endless Overtime” period will be played, continuing with five-on-five hockey until a goal is scored, ensuring a dramatic conclusion to the play-in round.
The stakes are high for both teams, as the winner will secure a coveted spot in the National League playoffs. For Bern, a team with a rich hockey tradition, this series represents a chance to continue their championship aspirations. For Rapperswil-Jona, it’s an opportunity to prove their mettle and make a deep run in the postseason. The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest, filled with intensity and skill, as both teams battle for survival in the National League.
The play-in round is designed to add excitement and unpredictability to the National League playoffs, and this series between Bern and Rapperswil-Jona is a prime example of that. With the Lakers holding a 2-1 lead, the pressure is now on Bern to perform on the road and force a decisive overtime period. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams leave everything on the ice in pursuit of a playoff berth.
The National League play-in round continues to captivate hockey fans across Switzerland, with several other series unfolding alongside the Bern-Rapperswil-Jona matchup. The intensity and drama of these games highlight the competitive nature of Swiss hockey and the passion of its supporters. As the playoffs approach, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and memorable postseason.
The second leg on Wednesday will be a crucial test of resilience and determination for both teams. Rapperswil-Jona will look to leverage their home-ice advantage and build on their first-game victory, while Bern will aim to silence the crowd and force a game three. The outcome of this series will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the landscape of the National League playoffs.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the National League play-in series progresses. The battle for a playoff spot is far from over, and the coming days will be filled with thrilling hockey action. The next confirmed checkpoint is the conclusion of the second game on Wednesday, March 18th, which will determine whether a third and final game is necessary to decide the series winner.
What are your thoughts on the series so far? Share your predictions and comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow hockey enthusiasts!
Keep reading