Lugano vs Davos

Kessler's go-ahead goal at 31:13, six minutes into the second period, shifted the game decisively. Lugano had started the middle frame with energy after a largely even first period, but Davos struck first — and the visitors never permitted a response of equal quality. From that moment onward, Lugano managed only sporadic chances against a composed Davos defence.

Rasmus Asplund (Davos) — The Swede was the match-winner with two empty-net goals in the 58th and 60th minutes. Also took a high-sticking minor at 32:10. Game-high impact in the closing stages.

Simon Ryfors (Davos) — Scored the crucial equaliser within a minute of Lugano's opener, neutralising the home side's early momentum. Took a double minor for high sticking (27:38) but his goal proved vital.

Tino Kessler (Davos) — Netted the decisive 2-1 goal at 31:13, assisted by Enzo Corvi. Showed composure in tight space to convert what became the game-winner.

Zach Sanford (Lugano) — Scored the early opener and was Lugano's most dangerous forward, but couldn't sustain the threat after the first period.

Both teams registered 38 shots on goal, yet the 4-1 final score tells only part of the story. Davos capitalised on two empty-net situations in the final 2:36, which doubled their lead from 2-1 to 4-1. Lugano failed to convert any of their power-play opportunities (0/6 on the man advantage across 6:32 of PP time), while Davos also went 0/2. The game featured nine minor penalties totalling 20 PIM (8 for Lugano, 12 for Davos) — a chippy, high-intensity friendly. Simon Ryfors took a double minor in the 28th minute, but both sides killed all penalties efficiently (100% PK each).

Davos close out pre-season on a positive note after mixed results — a 4-1 loss to Kladno and a 5-6 defeat to Adler Mannheim preceded this win. The National League season begins on 15 September with a home fixture against the SCL Tigers.

For Lugano, the defeat caps a disappointing warm-up campaign. Their last five friendlies have yielded just one win (2-0 against Zurich on 20 August). A 4-5 loss to Langnau Tigers on 28 August and this 4-1 reversal to Davos have exposed defensive coordination issues. Lugano open their NL campaign on 15 September at home to Genève-Servette.

A deserved win for Davos, who controlled the middle period and finished clinically. Lugano showed flashes in the opening 15 minutes but couldn't sustain pressure. Asplund's late double underlined Davos' superior depth — a useful statement before the regular season begins.