- Grenoble gaining momentum after back-to-back victories
- Lausanne struggling with just one win from four games
- Grenoble sit 16th with 5 points, Lausanne currently out of Playoffs position
Grenoble return home after a dramatic run of games that has seen them tested at every turn. The French champions opened with a 2–0 defeat to SC Bern and followed it up with a 5–1 loss against EV Zug. But momentum swung back on Game Day 3, when they shocked Pinguins Bremerhaven in Germany with an 8–5 win in a wild, penalty-filled contest.
Most recently, Grenoble staged one of the best comebacks of the season, overturning a 3–0 deficit against Eisbären Berlin to win 5–4 in a shootout, led by a four-point night from Sacha Treille. With those back-to-back victories, the Brûleurs de Loups are the top-performing Challenger League team of the season and have reignited their Playoff hopes, showing they can trouble anyone on their good day.
Lausanne HC have endured an equally turbulent campaign. The Swiss side opened with a 4–1 loss to Lukko Rauma, then pushed Frölunda Gothenburg hard before falling 5–2 in Sweden. Their fortunes improved on Game Day 3 in a spectacular 10-goal game against the Belfast Giants, with Drake Caggiula netting a hattrick in a 7–3 win that gave Lausanne their first points of the season.
But they stumbled again on Game Day 4, dropping a 3–1 decision at home to ERC Ingolstadt, leaving them with just three points from four outings and pressure mounting to close the gap in the standings.
Wednesday’s encounter in the Alps could prove pivotal for both sides. Grenoble will look to ride their wave of momentum and strengthen their Playoff position, while Lausanne desperately need consistency if they are to stay in contention.