SHL: Success for the newcomers

22 Sep 2013 | Fredrik Pålsson

While last season’s champions Skellefteå still tops the table the newcomers Leksand and Örebro have both started very well behind them.

After a loss and lucky win in the first two games Leksand took two strong wins to move up in third place. After beating MODO after a shootout at home in a game where MODO’s goalie Linus Ullmark was the only difference from three points for Leksand they followed up with a strong 3-2 win away to Färjestad. Former Färjestad player Mikael Johansson scored the late winner.

Örebro recorded a big surprise with winning after a shootout away to Skellefteå. The confidence from that win gave them an impressive 4-0 win to HV71 in the fourth round. Johan Wiklander scored his third penalty shot goal in that game.

Despite the loss against Örebro Skellefteå still tops the table and took a solid 5-1 win to AIK yesterday with Oscar Möller and Jimmie Ericsson back on the team after injuries. Skellefteå is the only team unbeaten in regular time. Joakim Lindström has scored eight points in the first four games after recently signing a new five year contract with the club.

Some other notable scores in the last two rounds was HV71’s overtime win away to Brynäs were Marcus Nilson tied the game with only 40 seconds left and Linköping’s big 6-3 win against Frölunda. Frölunda is not pleased with three points in the first four game, their worst start since 2006. Linköping scored five power play goals in the game and Pär Arlbrandt had three assists.

Växjö is the only team without a win so far and with 1-4 and 0-3 losses in the last two games things don’t look good for the club. In Saturday loss Brynäs took the lead already after eight seconds. But at least important Noah Welch has returned after injury.