The family's wait has involved special circumstances for Oscar Lindberg. The star trained as usual, played home games, but stayed home when the reigning SHL champion team Skellefteå played away.
Therefore, it was uncertain whether he would be able to play the premiere away against Malmö.
The situation changed on Friday night.
We had to wait a little longer than planned, but it's really cool, he says to TV4 Play.
Joined late
When the son was born and everything had gone well, the 32-year-old was ready to play.
It was a bit of a quick turnaround. I was home until last night (Friday) and then flew to Stockholm, stayed overnight, and arrived just in time for the gathering, he says.
Lindberg's unusual preparation, however, did not seem to affect the center. At the end of the first period, after 18.26 minutes, he got the season's first assist when he, along with Jonathan Pudas, was involved in Axel Sandin-Pellikka's power-play goal to 1–0.
Malmö turned against the champion team
However, he did not become a winner in Skåne.
Malmö – with former Skellefteå coach Bert Robertsson in the box – turned the deficit into a clear victory through equalizing from Carl Persson and goals from Joona Ikonen, Linus Öberg, and Robin Salo.
It was a bit tough in the first period, but we fought back. We have great energy in the team, and everyone played for each other, says Salo to TV4 Play.
Växjö got a fine start to the season with a dramatic 4–3 win at home against HV71.
Victor Stjernborg scored the club's first goal, and then Zachary Giuttari, Joel Svensson, and Felix Robert scored the remaining goals in front of the singing home crowd.
