Genève-Servette and Dynamo Pardubice entered this game on nine points each and just behind each other in the Regular Season Standings following Game Days 1-4, but with their Game Day 5 clash behind them, one team has qualified for the Playoffs while the other is still left searching.
And Genève have Daniel Winnik to thank for that: "Pardubice are a very structured and well-coached team," said the 38-year-old ex-NHLer after the game.
"They're very patient in the neutral zone and that was tough for us to break down," he added.
The two teams began the game at a frenetic pace and there were chances at both ends, although no goals were scored in the opening period.
"Once we figured out how to get pucks past them it was good,"Daniel Winnik, Genève-Servette
Genève opened the scoring on their fourth powerplay just shy of the game’s midpoint. Milan Klouček stopped the initial shot from Sami Vatanen but couldn’t find the rebound before Henrik Haapala who put it in.
After one goal in the first 40 minutes, there was a sudden flurry in the first half of the third period that saw Pardubice take the lead before Genève equalized.
"Once we figured out how to get pucks past them it was good," commented Winnik, who scored the game-winner in OT with a rather special play.
"It's a play we've tried in the past but tonight we just saw the opportunity and went for it," he explained.
The extra point was enough to secure Genève their place in the CHL Playoffs. What's next for the reigning Swiss champions?
"Well next we go to Finland and we're excited to face them!" he ended.