Lausanne welcomes back Michael Raffl, others out sick

When facing EHC Kloten this afternoon, Lausanne HC will finally have Michael Raffl back at their disposal. The captain has only made two National League games so far this season, as two lower-body injuries kept him out of the lineup for quite some time. His last game was on October 11, and before that, besides a Champions Hockey League appearance, on September 17.

"It is true that we are in the same situation as last year when I came back from injury", Raffl is cited on the Lions' website. He had missed half of last season due to a knee injury. "It is not easy to go through another operation with all that it involves. I am a fighter, I did not give up and I kept on working hard to get back on the ice. Once again, I can only thank the organization, including the doctor, physio and physical trainer, for their hard work and kindness along the way."

On a less positive note, Raffl's teammates Janne Kuokkanen and Ken Jäger are out due to illness today.