Starting with Die Haie, you can expect one of the strongest teams of the 2026/27 CHL season so far. Great goaltending, a strong blue line and efficient scoring from some of the sharpest shooters on the continent are the most visible aspects of Cologne's play so far this season. The DEL side also add in a pretty capable PP (23.08%) and PK (87.5%) units to set them up as the perfect well-rounded team.

We just have to mention the epic Cologne trio of Marcel Noebels (7G, 5A), the former Berlin sniper who finished as the Top Scorer of the Regular Season, Patrick Russell (7G, 4A), a menace on the ice and especially on the PP or late into the game and Gregor MacLeod (1G, 9A) who has been the perfect team-first player. These three combined make up most of Cologne's scoring output which is great, but also could be their biggest weakness. As we move into the packed Autumn-Winter months, team depth is vital and Cologne are going to need the rest of their roster to step up and pitch in more.

A special mention goes out to Cologne's passionate fans who have been simply unbelievable, filling the LANXESS Arena up to 18,104 back on Game Day 3 to break the CHL attendance record. Add in some of their amazing away trips and Cologne really do have an extra man on the ice at all times with this lot behind them - do not count them out!

Looking at Bílí Tygři Liberec, the Czechs had a tough start to their sixth CHL campaign taking back-to-back losses on the road to get their 2026/27 rolling. However, a string of three home games really got their juices flowing as they took win after win (even toppling reigning CHL Champions Frölunda Gothenburg) and added the cherry on top when they made their way to Davos and took a strong 2-0 shutout victory in a hugely important game in the Race for the Playoffs. 

Entering the Round of 16 on a four-game winning streak is huge for the Czechs, especially now they've proven they can manage some really tough opponents and situations. Overall, Liberec have proven they have the scoring in them when called upon and have displayed a very deep squad that has distributed pressure and focus well - this surprising line performance could trouble Cologne's very clear line-up.

However, it's also pretty clear special unit play isn't their forté, as their PP has a sub-10% efficiency and their PK is also a bit lacking with a 75% success rate. Cologne have done a lot of their heavy hitting in these situations, so tightening up will be a key focus point. The same applies for their goaltending and blue line play, which was a bit loose to start the season but noticabely improved towards the end of the Regular Season. Staying on that trajectory is a must.

This Round of 16 is all up in the air as we have two teams eager to move on to the Quarter-Finals, Liberec will very much hope their perfect home form will continue before they make the trip to Cologne's fortress back home - the loud and energetic LANXESS Arena!