Just four goals from the last five games. The attack needed to do something and they did. AIK's offense gave the team courage, energy and self-confidence - but Skellefteå still lost on penalties.
AIK got exactly the start they did not want. Just 19 seconds into the game, Växjö took the lead.
Another Växjö goal came at the end of the first period, after AIK had been caught napping. Immediately afterwards, in the midst of a raging hell, AIK's youngsters showed something resembling faith and hope. Axel Sandin Pellikka's perfect pass found the blade of Simon Robertson's club and the 20-year-old only had to prod the puck into the net.
When AIK were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, they made up for lost time. The powerplay ended with a Jonathan Pudas goal.
However, Marcus Sylvegård completed his hat-trick early in the second period.
As in the first period, a late Växjö goal was followed by an AIK power-play goal.
Trailing by a goal, the home side sharpened their approach and came out firing in the third period. Just one minute into the period, they were awarded a penalty powerplay, but the five-on-four was a bit of a disaster. They had another chance a little later, but Växjö managed to keep their defence tight.
The next big chance came just four minutes from time. Elias Salomonsson was fouled and this time AIK made the most of the opportunity. Sandin Pellikka scored the equaliser to send the 4,000 fans in the stands into raptures.
Penalties were needed to separate the teams, and finally the excellent Sylvegård made no mistake from the spot.
There are definite signs of improvement - but, still, it's six defeats in the last seven games.
MATCH FACTS
SHL
Skellefteå AIK–Växjö Lakers 4–5 (2–2, 1–2, 1–0, 1–0)
Goals: 0–1 (00.19) Marcus Sylvegård (Persson, Carlsson), 0–2 (15.14) Marcus Sylvegård (Kossila, Rieder), 1–2 (15.42) Simon Robertsson (Sandin Pellikka, Lindberg), 2–2 (18.11) Jonathan Pudas (Sandin Pellikka, Sandberg), 2–3 (24.08) Marvus Sylvegård (Rieder, Kossila), 2–4 (35.53) Ludvig Nilsson (Carlsson, Persson), 3–4 (38.18) Oskar Nilsson (Sikura, M. Lindholm), 4–4 (56.48) Axel Sandin Pellikka (Hugg, Pudas), 4–5 Marcu Sylvegård (penalty).
Shots: 41–26 (10–8, 14–8, 14–6, 3–4)
Penalty minutes: 2–10 (2–2, 0–2, 0–6, 0–0)
Referees: Tobias Björk, Linus Öhlund.
Attendance: 4491.
