With the backing of their fans on home ice, Skellefteå AIK dug deep to take their last game against Oceláři Třinec 3-2 in overtime. The OT win was the first for the Swedes who went down 3-2 to Swiss rivals, and Group H leaders, HC Davos in their opening game.

So far 23-year-old Rikard Hugg has been the star offensive performer for Skellefteå netting three points (2G, 1A) in two games. Not to be outdone, another talented youngster, 18-year-old blueliner Elias Salomonsson, has been a key contributor with two assists to his name. Seasoned netminder Gustaf Lindvall has played both contests for the Swedes, and rounds out a save percentage of 91.94 after 122 minutes of playing time. 

Off the back of a solid first win against Belfast, Oceláři Třinec were off to a good start, but would stumble in their second game. Skellefteå controlled the play well at times making it hard for the Czech side to break through. The game was kept in very close contention thanks to netminder Ondřej Kacetl who was called up for his first game of the season.

Offensively, forward Vladimír Svačina has been the go-to playmaker for his team. The 35-year-old, who is in his third season with Třinec, has netted three assists in two games. The currently second-ranked team in Group H, Třinec are just ahead of Skellefteå with four points, and the Swedes will be desperate to close the two-point gap with a win, ideally in regulation. 

With both teams excelling in their defensive zone coverage, and forechecking intensively, we can expect to see blueliners actively looking for shooting lanes and net-front presence. Fans can look forward to a fast game, between two skilled sides on the hunt for points.