SC Bern takes a big step forward in its second season under coach Jussi Tapola - and undoes a lot in the playoffs.
27.03.2025, 13:27
27.03.2025, 13:52
SDA
When it comes down to it, the Bernese have always failed in the recent past. As so often, long-time captain Simon Moser has the clearest words after SC Bern's quarter-final exit. "I think it's all mental," the 36-year-old told SRF in search of explanations for the renewed failure. "Over the whole game, maybe we didn't deserve to come back."
The SCB had actually taken a clear step forward this season with 3rd place in the qualifiers. Then they had to let themselves be dominated at the start of the always emotionally charged quarter-final series against their unloved neighbors Fribourg-Gottéron, but fended off two match pucks from the Fribourg team and fought their way back after trailing 3:1 in the series. Then, in Game 7 at home, the Bernese suddenly had all the advantages - and they seemed blocked, emotionless and went down 4-1 in front of over 17,000 fans.
Fear of penalties
This naturally raises questions, as it is extremely rare for a home team to lose a decisive Game 7. After Fribourg's victory, the away team now has a record of 9 wins and 40 defeats. This naturally raises questions as to why SCB, of all teams, was not ready in Switzerland's largest stadium.
Coach Jussi Tapola speculated after the game that his players might have been afraid of penalties. In fact, the Bernese never quite found the right balance throughout the series. In the previous games, they were in the penalty box far too often (and if Fribourg had only played a halfway decent power play, they wouldn't have needed a Game 7), but on Wednesday night they were too tame and downright inhibited. Gottéron didn't take a single penalty on Wednesday, but still had the necessary consistency and blocked no less than 20 shots (Bern only 10).
Others suspected that too much energy was needed to catch up, which was now lacking. However, that would be a bad sign, as Freiburg were on the ice for exactly the same amount of time and certainly no longer had the momentum on their side.
Tapola's praise
Nevertheless, Tapola emphasized that he was proud of his team and positive even after the elimination. "There are always two sides to sport," said the 50-year-old Finn, launching into a philosophical digression. "One is the result, the victory, we didn't achieve that. But the way the boys worked, the team spirit, that was great and a step forward for Bern."
Tapola joined the SCB two years ago in the summer as a four-time champion, Champions League winner and real savior from Tappara Tampere. His record is impressive, at least in the regular season. Since the last championship title in 2019, the Bernese have finished the qualifiers in 9th, 9th, 11th and 8th place. They then failed twice in the playoff round of 16, and would even have had to enter the playoffs once had they not been canceled due to the pandemic.
A goalie problem
They have now finished fifth and third under Tapola, but have still not won their first playoff series in six years. For the second time in a row, after a 3-0 loss in Zug in quarterfinal game 7 a year ago, the Finn has failed to get his team in the right frame of mind for such a belle. With his constant line changes and, above all, the back-and-forth at the goalie position, he rather unsettled his players, who were not used to this. The fact that Austin Czarnik, the top scorer, was out from Game 3 onwards is no excuse, it's part of the playoffs and the start was also unsuccessful with him.
Especially at the goalie position, the situation is and remains unsatisfactory. The Swede Adam Reideborn, who was signed as star goalie, was never able to fully convince in Bern and, in contrast to Fribourg's outstanding Reto Berra, occupies a foreigner's spot. On the other hand, 27-year-old Philip Wüthrich from the city of Bern, who is at least on a par with Berra, is leaving the club for Ambri due to a lack of prospects.
Moser's criticism
Simon Moser, who handed over his captaincy to Ramon Untersander after seven years at the start of the season, is far more gloomy than his boss. "The season is always measured by the playoffs," emphasized the veteran. "We went out in the quarter-finals, so for me that's not a successful season." For Moser, one thing is clear: "We have to learn from our mistakes, otherwise there's no point."
Tapola has laid a good foundation, but next season the coach will be under pressure to confirm his 3rd place and finally succeed in the playoffs. On the challenging terrain of Bern, positive emotions have been waiting too long for the best time of the year.
