Frölunda Gothenburg’s three-goal advantage from their Quarter-Finals First Game last week came in handy last night, as the reigning CHL Champions drew 3-3 against a fierce Leksands IF side.
It was neck and neck throughout the entire 60 minutes, but Frölunda refused to give away their lead and kept their heads in the game.
Star forward and all-time CHL points record holder Ryan Lasch was on the ice and, as usual, played an important role in the outcome.
"We took care of business on the road and played solid here“Ryan Lasch
"We took care of business on the road and played solid here,“ started Lasch, "Tomkins was absolutely unreal for us,” he added, praising teammate Matthew Tomkins who faced 44 shots on the night, only letting three into the back of his net.
“Our powerplay stepped up too, scoring some big goals. It was good that we could win on our special teams,” he said, mentioning the fact that two of Frölunda’s goals came on the powerplay.
Lasch had another stellar performance in the CHL, scoring on the powerplay in the first period and assisting Elmer Söderblom in the final period. He was also involved in some roughing situations with Leksand players on the ice, but Lasch quickly shakes off that it affected his play in any way.
“It’s just part of the game, that’s why you play. I love it.”
“When situations like this happen, it makes me play better, I feel more involved in the game, it raises my level.”
Frölunda will face fellow SHL team Rögle Ängelholm in the Semi-Finals next.
“They are a good team, well built, well structured – definitely tough.”
“It’s going to be fun to play them, for sure it’s going to be a Playoff type atmosphere and the game could go any way.”
“It’s great that we can play another Swedish team, I think they are some of the best in Europe and it will be exciting to face them,” concluded Lasch.