Switzerland's ZSC Lions Zurich will suit up against Sweden's Färjestad Karlstad as the two clubs battle it out on the Champions Hockey League's biggest stage for the European Trophy. Zurich advanced after taking down fellow Swiss challenger Genève-Servette in the Semi-Finals with a 9-4 aggregate win while Färjestad overcame Czech side Sparta Prague with a 10-4 aggregate victory.

Färjestad have been excellent on the road
Zurich continue to find ways to win
Star players could be the deciding factor for both clubs

A commanding First Game performance against the reigning CHL Champions helped secure Zurich's trip to the Final as they engineered a five-goal aggregate advantage that saw several of their top players continue to be effective in all situations. The Swiss netted six goals, including two on the powerplay, before Genève were able to light the lamp in the third period as Sven Andrighetto and company were able to slice through Genève's defence with ease. The Return Game was a much tamer affair, with both clubs securing three goals. But thanks to solid netminding from Robin Zumbühl who stopped 24 of 27 on the night, Zurich were able to close out the series and secure a much-deserved trip to the Final.

Looking ahead, the Swiss will have the home-ice advantage and while they've been better on the road, their numbers at the Swiss Life Arena have been strong. Stats-wise, they're currently tied with the Swedes in most areas: goals for per game with 4.08 while their defence sits slightly behind Färjestad's with 2.00 goals against per game compared to their opponents' 1.83.

While neither club sports an advantage in any one category, Zurich's roster has some heavy hitters that could sway the game in their favour. The aforementioned Andrighetto sits atop the league in points with eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points, while teammate Denis Malgin is in third place with six goals and 11 helpers for 17 points through ten games played. Having the likes of the league's Top Scorers on your side will certainly be a comfort for a Swiss side that's about to face the league's best defence in Färjestad.

Much like the Swiss, Färjestad's First Game against Sparta gave them a multi-goal cushion that helped propel them past the Semi-Finals. The Czechs kept it close through the first 20 minutes, but then in the middle frame, the Swedes extended their lead as Oskar Steen secured his club's second as Färjestad went on to net four more and to take it to 6-2. Then on home ice, the home team picked up where they left off, netting their first of two powerplay goals as they smothered Sparta's offence all the while exposing the Czechs' defence for four more tallies en route to their tenth win of the season.

Who to look out for?

Have a scroll through the gallery to see a few star players who we think will play a BIG role in the CHL Final!

Sven Andrighetto, ZSC Lions Zurich

31-year-old Swiss international Sven Andrighetto and the CHL's Top Scorer heading into the Final has been a menace on Europe's biggest club ice hockey stage, racking up a whopping 20 points (8G, 12A) in 11 games played. (Photo: City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)

Oskar Steen, Färjestad Karlstad

Färjestad's Steen has cemented himself firmly atop the Regular Season Winners' scoring charts with 18 points (6G, 12A) in 12 games played - that's a whopping 1.5 points-per-game average! (Photo: Fredrik Karlsson)

Denis Malgin, ZSC Lions Zurich

With 17 points (6G, 11A) in 10 games played, Zurich's Denis Malgin has been a huge asset to the reigning Swiss champions, providing all-important goals when it mattered most. (Photo: Berend Stettler)

Michael Lindqvist, Färjestad Karlstad

Somewhat overshadowed by teammate Oskar Steen's big season, faithful Färjestad player Michael Lindqvist has been one of the leading forces making the magic happen for the Swedes this CHL campaign with a whopping 11 assists to his name ahead of the big Final. (Photo: Fredrik Karlsson)

Mikko Lehtonen, ZSC Lions Zurich

D-man Lehtonen has really stepped up his game this season, dishing out eight assists and scoring two goals to lead the Zurich blueliners heading into the big game. He's also the team leader in time on ice with over 20 minutes per game on average! (Photo: L. Minkala)

Joel Nyström, Färjestad Karlstad

We're counting on youth with this pick, as the 22-year-old, 189cm D-man is most often the final player guarding the goalie and the net. He's quick, strong, physical and dependable - everything a perfect defenceman should be. Keep an eye on Nyström! (Photo: Fredrik Karlsson)

Juho Lammikko, ZSC Lions Zurich

A point-per-game average thanks to a very consistent record of five goals and six assists, a face-off win percentage greater than 50% and a superb +12 plus/minus have made Finnish forward Juho Lammikko a mighty player to face out on the ice and one that can do some real damage in the CHL Final. (Photo: Berend Stettler)

Magnus Nygren, Färjestad Karlstad

The Färjestad player's experience and dominant play have made him a huge asset to the Regular Season Winners this season. Two goals and six assists, 15 blocked shots and six hits accompanied by a high 19+ minutes of time on ice per game on average make this a star defenceman to look out for come the big game. (Photo: Fredrik Karlsson)

After almost bowing out to former CHL Champions Tappara Tampere in their Round of 16 series, Färjestad have now gone on to register multiple convincing wins starting with a 6-0 slashing of Red Bull Salzburg in the Quarter-Finals Return Game. A big reason for this has been consistent play at both 5-on-5 as well as their lethal special teams play. The Swedes showcased their third-ranked powerplay against Sparta to great success, securing a pair of powerplay tallies against the Czechs' fifth-ranked PK. With so much talent up and down the roster for Färjestad, Zurich will need to be at the top of their game.

Both clubs possess star players able to dictate the pace of play, and being able to contain them will be a matter of necessity. The first and second-place teams from the Regular Season have continued to demonstrate why they are among the most formidable in the entire competition and it will be a treat to watch them face off against each other. Don't miss the action as puck drops on 18 February at 20:15!