HV71 managed to rise above the relegation zone with a commanding 6-4 victory against rivals Linköping (LHC) on January 21, 2023, demonstrating their potential resurgence after struggling at the start of the season. The match took place amid high tensions, as both teams were fighting for points desperately needed to secure their standing in the SHL.
Linköping, going through a rough patch, had suffered five consecutive losses leading up to this match. The crisis prompted the firing of head coach Klas Östman, with Anders Karlsson stepping up to take the helm. Despite the hope his appointment brought, Karlsson faced the tough reality of battling against not just their traditional rival, but also the pressures of avoiding relegation.
Immediately from the opening face-off, it was clear the game would be anything but straightforward. LHC stumbled early on, granting HV71 several clear scoring opportunities. Joona Luoto, Måns Lindbäck, and Radan Lenc took advantage of LHC's defensive lapses, showcasing the risks of playing with desperation. Even though they were down, HV71's aggressive play was relentless. A more disciplined side, like Färjestad, would likely have capitalized on these mistakes.
An unexpected turning point came early. Just as LHC appeared to adjust, they allowed HV71's Luoto to score, bringing the game to 3-3, followed by Olle Alsing swiftly putting HV71 ahead with just 22 seconds on the clock. LHC goalie Christian Heljanko's frustration boiled over; he smashed his stick against the post, hinting at the internal chaos brewing within the team.
Heljanko's performance had previously been stable, but with only 89.32 percent save efficiency leading up to this match, he bore the weight of expectations. Transitioning to backup Jesper Myrenberg did not provide immediate relief; just four minutes later, Jonathan Ang pushed the score to 5-3.
Linköping seemed poised to battle back, as Linus Hultström netted one back to bring the score to 5-4, injecting life back onto the ice. But it was not enough; with Henrik Borgström sealing the victory with another goal, LHC sunk to the bottom of the standings.
Adding insult to injury, captain Oscar Fantenberg was sidelined due to injuries, and defender Rasmus Rissanen also left the game early with what appeared to be significant damage following a block. Injury woes have plagued LHC all season, but parallels could be drawn to HV71’s own struggles with skaters sidelined due to injury.
Mirror images of the two teams' paths were evident throughout the game. While HV71 climbed over the relegation line, their victory was not just due to individual brilliance. The narrative of collective effort and determination was noticeable, with players like goalie Olof Glifford, who had been phenomenal since stepping up amid injuries, steadily earning his teammates' trust.
Glifford's remarkable performance, achieving wins on seven out of his first SHL appearances, perfectly encapsulated the unity and spirit within the current HV71 roster. Players like Jonathan Ang and Olle Alsing have stepped up remarkably, with Ang contributing 15 points (four goals, eleven assists) since joining. His impact on the ice has been electric.
HV71’s burgeoning success is not solely attributed to individual talents, but rather to the strategic adjustments made by head coach Anton Blomqvist. Making effective use of timely timeouts, he has successfully rallied the team during transitions, enhancing team cooperation.
Conversely, LHC’s issues extend beyond just results on the ice; they must urgently address their defensive frailties. Karlsson acknowledged the team's defensive failings, emphasizing: "We can’t afford to let five goals slip through. We’re creating chances, but defensive reliability is where we need to improve.”
Despite the loss, hope is still palpable within LHC's ranks; Karlsson stated after the game, “We’re eager to turn this around. There’s talent within this team, and I believe we can refine our play moving forward.”
The stakes remain high as the SHL season continues, with teams jockeying for advantageous positions. The fallout of this match undoubtedly creates ripples affecting playoff predictions and relegation battles alike, especially with LHC now firmly embedded within the relegation zone.
Linköping fans hold their breath as the team navigates this precarious path, with each game key to determining their fate. The pressing questions are now looming: Can Karlsson spark the necessary change? Will we witness LHC begin its turnaround anytime soon? Or will HV71 continue its climb? Only time will tell.
