"Löven" is on a revenge mission after a weak last year that ended already in the quarterfinals. Ahead of this year's Hockey Allsvenska season, the team has therefore taken a solid grip with several new players and a new coaching duo: Björn Hellkvist as head coach and the former player Daniel Rahimi as assistant.
The first test for the new coaching duo? A green and yellow full hit.
Direct Success for "Lilliz"
It's incredibly nice to win the premiere, says new acquisition Fredrik Forsberg to TV4 Play.
But it was another new acquisition who stole the spotlight this evening.
After several seasons in Färjestad, passing genius Marcus "Lilliz" Nilsson – to many people's surprise – signed a three-year contract with Björklöven. A recruitment that has further raised expectations in the SHL-longing city of Umeå.
And in his competitive debut, the 33-year-old made good on the high expectations.
With a stylish backhand, Nilsson played forward to Joel Mustonen's 2–0 goal in the first period. In the second period, he then played forward to two more goals.
A taste of things to come in his new club, in other words.
We're doing an okay match. It still feels like we're in control. The next match on Wednesday is a completely different match with new conditions, says Forsberg.
"I'm Extremely Disappointed"
Björklöven won the match in the end with 5–3.
The two goals that Nilsson didn't play forward to occurred in numerical inferiority. Something that stung a bit extra for the visiting team Västerås.
I'm extremely disappointed that we concede goals in our own power play, says Västerås coach Karl Helmersson to TV4 Play.
