Weekly Recap: Linköping Stays Strong at Home

LHC

It's no secret that Linköping have not had a good season in quite some time. In fact they have finished in either 11th or 12th for the past five seasons. The last time they qualified for the post season was in 2018, where they finished 9th and were eliminated in the quarterfinals. However, something about this years team seems different and Thursday at home against Färjestad was a perfect example. 

Despite giving up the first goal of the game early in the first frame, Linköping remained undaunted. They would answer back with a pair of their own before the first twenty minutes had expired and carried the one goal lead into the second frame. Although it was just a single goal given up early, this type of no quit attitude is something we've seen from LHC on multiple occasions this season. Regardless of the fact that they're losing they seem to be able to find an extra gear and battle back, especially at home. 

Färjestad would answer with their second goal of the game to tie things up in the second frame, but that's as close as they would come. Linköping would answer right back with one more in the second to regain the lead. Despite taking four penalties in the final frame, they'd then add an insurance goal in the dying minutes of the game and come away with the 4-2 victory, their seventh straight at home. 

This win was in no small thanks due to the play of Marcus Högberg between the pipes, who continues to show he is an elite goaltender in the league. Linköping was outshot 44-23, with Högberg turning aside 42 including all twelve he faced in the third period. 

Saturday

Saturday afternoon was an equally important game for Linköping on the road as they faced off against the Växjö Lakers. Coming into the game Linköping sat just one point ahead of the Lakers in the standings.

Linköping would once again show the never say die attitude we've seen form them throughout the season in this one. Despite giving up the first two goals of the game and going into the third period down 3-1, LHC would battle back. They would find the back of the net early in the third period and add another in the second half of the frame to tie the game at three goals a piece. Neither team would be able to break the deadlock, and extra time would be needed to decide this one. 

Unfortunately for Linköping, they would not be able to beat the Lakers in the shootout and would fall 4-3 on penalty shots. Despite the loss, however, Linköping could hold their head high with the comeback effort that secured them one point. Once again, they were also heavily outshot as the Lakers put 36 shots on target and Linköping managed just 21. 

After this weeks action, Linköping sit fourth overall in the standings. However, they are tied in points with both Luleå in second and Växjö in third. Färjestad continues to sit atop the standings, five points clear of the next three teams. 

Lindholm

After playing the majority of his professional career in Hockey Allsvenskan, Max Lindholm was a mainstay on the Skellefteå roster last season and has had an impressive start to this one. Last season saw him score 8 goals and add 18 assists. He has scored twice and added 9 assists in 18 games this season. 

- Max has done well since day one with us and worked hard both on and off the ice to become an even better player. For us it felt obvious to extend with him as we want to continue the journey together, says Skellefteå's GM Erik Forssell

The new contract extension for Lindholm will see him stay in Skellefteå through the 2025/26 season. 

Juolevi

Finnish defender Olli Juolevi was brought on a short term contract by Timrå in October, however they have elected not to extend his contract. Juolevi scored a single goal and was a -6 in nine games with Timrå. He has now signed with Tappara in Finland. 

Melander

Juolevi was not the only one to leave Timrå this week as young defender Emil Melander has been loaned out to Sundsvall in Hockey Allsvenskan. The 20 year old has played seven games with the big team and four with the J20 squad this season. 

- We have had a clear plan for Emil's development and now it is time for him to get more playing time. For his development, it is important to get games and in Sundsvall he gets a good role and good conditions to train even off the ice. At the same time, we get to keep Emil close to us, says sporting director Kimmo Kapanen.