The match's first goal didn't come until the middle of the second period – largely thanks to Skellefteå goalkeeper Linus Söderström, who in the first period made a superb save that robbed Christoffer Ehn of a 1-0 goal.
The only thing I see is an open goal. I could hardly believe it was true, but it was a damn good save, said Ehn to TV4 Play during the intermission.
"Glad I could make the save"
It was about to be a real cold shower, but I'm glad I could make the save, says Söderström himself about the situation.
Instead, it was Remi Elie who ensured that the home team Linköping took the lead, when he scored his fourth goal of the season.
Skellefteå would, however, come back. First through Oscar Lindberg, who equalized to 1-1 – and just minutes later, Pär Lindholm saw to it that Skellefteå had a 2-1 lead going into the second intermission.
It also looked like the Västerbotten team was on its way to a long-awaited three-pointer, despite Linköping equalizing to 2-2 early in the third period. Martins Dzierkals, however, saw to it that Skellefteå regained the lead when he made it 3-2 for the visitors.
Penalty shootout decided the game
With just nine seconds left of the third period, Linköping equalized again, when Ehn finally got the puck in, and overtime awaited.
The overtime was goalless – including Lindberg missing a penalty shot – and a penalty shootout decided the game. There, Skellefteå was strongest and could secure two points.
It's a step in the right direction, but we're still dissatisfied, says Söderström.
