ZSC Lions Zurich enter their contest against Sparta Prague with a 2-2 record after they were handed a 2-0 loss by German competitors Brynäs IF. Meanwhile, the Czechs managed to take down two of the Champions Hockey League's most storied clubs in Luleå Hockey and Frölunda Gothenburg, the latter of which they defeated 4-2 in their Game Day 4 derby. 

After falling surprisingly short in their match-up against Storhamar Hamar, Sparta regained their form and managed to take down Luleå in a 2-1 shootout win that saw the Czech challengers outshoot their opponents 31-13. Their follow-up effort against Frölunda has all but cemented them as one of the teams to chase as places continue to be won and lost in search of the Round of 16.

Sparta were able to deliver such performances thanks in large part to their stability between the iron. 37-year-old Jakub Kovář has been spectacular, posting a 94.12 SV% accompanied by a 0.96 GAA. To put that into perspective, the veteran backstop has only allowed two goals on 32 shot attempts, earning him two wins in two games played. If the Swiss hope to skate away with their third win of the campaign, solving Kovář would go a long way.

The reigning CHL Champions have shown moments of brilliance - namely their 4-0 victory over GKS Tychy on Game Day 2 - but the Swiss have also failed to produce the consistency they displayed last season, as evidenced in their contest against Brynäs. Having only secured ten tucks while allowing seven against isn't helping matters, and their special teams play has also been lacking with one goal on 12 attempts.

For Zurich to have a chance at gaining their third win, they'll need more standout performances from the players who lifted the European Trophy last year. Sven Andrighetto led his team in total points last year with 22 (10G, 12A) and was one reason Zurich brought the Title to Switzerland, but this year the Swiss-native's numbers are lacking with only three goals and one helper. Getting him and the likes of Denis Malgin (3A) producing at the pace they were last year would give the Swiss a solid advantage over Sparta.