Friday Night Action

The SHL's first friday night game of the season certainly did not dissapoint as Linköping welcomed HV71 to SAAB arena for a game the fans won't soon forget.

Both teams were running on less than 24 hours rest as they were both in action on Thursday night and neither team had had a successful outing. Linköping got shutout 3-0 by Färjestad and HV71 lost a high scoring affair 7-4 against Örebro, so both teams were looking to bounce back.

Despite the fact that the teams combined for 20 shots on net in the first frame, there was no goals scored in the opening twenty minutes. However, that trend would not continue into the second period. HV71 struck early in the second as Emil Andrae was able to ripple the mesh with just under two minutes elapsed in the frame. The visitors would extend that lead to two about five minutes later courtesy Joey LaLeggias seventh goal of the season. It was Victor Sjöholm who gave them a bit of insurance heading into the final frame of regulation as he extended HV's lead to three in the late stages of the period. Mattias Tedenby accounted for two of the three primary assists in the frame.

Despite the daunting three goal deficit heading into the final frame of regulation, Linköping came out firing on all cylinders. They outshot HV71 16-4 in the frame and their hard work and perseverance paid off in a big way. They were finally able to get on the board as team leader in points and goals, Ty Rattie, was able to send it home with less than five minutes elapsed in the frame. Vilmos Gallo was able to pot his sixth of the season about three minutes later to pull Linköping back within one. Despite their strong start to the period Linköping was struggling to find more offense throughout the remainder of the frame as all their efforts were turned aside. That was, until, Ty Rattie scored the game tying goal with the net empty and just seventeen seconds ramining on the clock.

With all the momentum on their side and the home crowd roaring in the stands it's no surprise it took all of thirty seconds for Ty Rattie to score the overtime winner, completing the comeback and the hat trick.

– It was fun. An incredibly great victory to go into the break with. Important points. It is games like this, at home, that can be seen as a turning point. We have a good team and will be dangerous, said Linköping's Ty Rattie.

Not only did they grab an extra point in the standings they have also now won four straight games at home. Linköping will now have an opportunity to rest as they will be off the ice until after Christmas.

Off Ice News

Linköping

Not only were they busy on the ice this week but Linköping was also busy off the ice making multiple moves to bolster their lineup.

They recruited Jasse Ikonen this week from Finnish club TPS. The 32 year old forward has played all but one season of his professional career in Finland. Last season he played for Italian club HC Pustertal in the Austrian League.

– I am excited. This is a good opportunity for me and I will do my utmost to help the team. I've spoken to some Finnish players who have been here before and they all said it's a good organization and I'm happy to be here, says Ikonen

Ikonen was not the only Finn to be recruited by LHC this week as they have also brought in Petrus Palmu from Örebro. The 25 year old forward is in his first season in the SHL after spending the past few seasons in Finland, with a brief stint in the AHL.

– It feels good that we are getting Petrus into the squad, especially given the situation we are in with injuries and suspensions. But we are also prepared to be patient given that he has not played for a while. He has offensive qualities, which he has shown during his years in the Finnish league, says sporting director Peter Jakobsson.

Palmu has only been in the lineup for 15 of Örebros games this season and has seen limited ice time. However, he had a stellar season last year as the captain of Finnish squad Jukurit where he scored 26 goals and 33 assists in 59 games played. He was also named Best Player in the Regular Season last year.

Linköping also saw a player departing the squad this week as young goaltender Jesper Myrenberg was loaned to Djurgården in HockeyAllsvenskan.

Muzik

Örebro made a lateral move this week as they acquired Radek Muzik from Luleå. The 21 year old forward from the Czech Republic has been playing with Luleå, both in their junior program and the big team, since 2018. Having been with the organization throughout much of his young career, leaving was not an easy choice for Muzik to make.

– Yes, it was very emotional to leave Luleå. I came there when I was very young and I have been there for years. There was a lot of emotion. I received messages from fans and supporters also came to the airport to say goodbye. It was very emotional, I actually cried a lot then. It was really tough.

Despite the tough choice to leave, he ultimately believes it was the right decision for his career.

– It was a very difficult decision. But for me and for my hockey career, this is the best decision. I was looking to play more and now I'm here and everything feels good so far.

Engstrand

There was another lateral move in the league this week as Eric Engstrand has left the Redhawks and joined Färjestad. The 22 year old has split his time this season with Malmö and Södertälje in HockeyAllsvenskan.

– We are delighted to be able to add Eric to our forward crew. He is strong on his skates for his size and also has the ability to hold onto the puck. We believe he will complement the forward side we already have, and hopefully take the next step in his own development here with us, says Färjestad's sports director Rickard Wallin