You’re currently one goal behind your opponent before the second leg. You probably believe that isn’t an obstacle that can’t be overcome...
Absolutely, everything is open. Regarding the recent games that we played at home, we can even say that playing on the road is not a disadvantage for us. If we´re careful defensively, there will be opportunities off the rush the other way. We’re in it to win it now.
What could be a weakness of Linköping?
It’s hard to say how to beat this opponent or that opponent. We´ll have a look at Linköping’s set-up plays and power play on Monday. We’re prepared to give it 100 percent. I know it sounds like a cliché, but we have to build our game around good defence. If it all comes together, we can think about winning this one.
You´ve struggled recently with finishing scoring chances. Have you been working on that?
Yes, but there´s nothing special about it, we just have to shoot more often instead of trying to create another useless pass. We have to push them deep, that’s what we’ve been missing lately. We´ve worked on this in practice.
Your game schedule seems very challenging and some of your teammates were injured in recent games. Has the recent week off helped in any way?
We had practices until two days after our first game against Linköping and then we got some free time from our coach. We were able to rest and now we’re back in training. We enjoy the CHL, even though it’s probably not so interesting for our fans. Anyway, we’re glad we can participate.
How big of a change is it to be playing playoff games in November?
It is a bit different than our domestic league and what can motivate every player is the fact that every game is important now. Because we advanced, we are now in the playoffs and these challenging games are something special for the players. It’s a different style of hockey when you encounter the best European clubs. This experience will be useful for us in our league playoffs.
What do you think about fact that you travel on the game day and fly back right after the game?
It’s easier and nobody has a problem with it. We´ll still have time for lunch there, look around the town and rest before the game.
Is it an advantage for Linköping, that if it goes to overtime it will be at home for them?
I don´t think it´ll matter. We´ll try to win and we won’t worry if it’s by one or two goals. Every win gives us a chance. Even with a win by one goal and overtime, I don’t think it will be important that the game is in Linköping.
How do you like this two-game system where you add up the goals, but it’s not important if they were scored at home or away?
It’s a good idea, because it’s difficult to find free days between the league games and it also doesn’t make sense to play only one game. This system with two games and adding up the goals seems just right.
