Following their series-opening win on Friday night, Skellefteå AIK returned to the ice at Skellefteå Kraft Arena on Sunday afternoon. Facing a deficit, Linköping came out strong, replicating their physical playstyle from the first game.
Despite the high intensity from the visitors, a vocal home crowd spurred on Skellefteå AIK. After Linköping's initial energy waned, Linus Lindström capitalized with a close-range deflection to put AIK on the board 1-0.
The remainder of the game was a tight battle. Both teams enjoyed periods of control, with AIK stringing together extended attacks and Linköping pressuring the home team's zone. Goalie Linus Söderström stood tall for AIK, preserving their lead.
However, the deadlock was broken early in the third period when Linköping's top scorer, Ty Rattie, capitalized on a power play opportunity with a well-placed shot from the high slot.
The game then entered overtime, stretching into a marathon five periods. Finally, the hero emerged 20 seconds into the fifth period. Dylan Sikura found the back of the net with the game-winning goal, securing a 2-0 series lead for Skellefteå AIK.
MATCH FACTS
Skellefteå AIK–Linköping HC 3–2 (1–0, 0–0, 1–2, 0–0, )
Golas: 1–0 (14.58) Linus Lindström (Max Lindholm, Anton Heikkinen), 1–1 (41.52) Ty Rattie (Strandberg) five against four 2–1 (43.44) Filip Sandberg (Sandin Pellikka (Lindberg) five against four, 2–2 (47.14) Broc Little (Rattie, Strandberg) five against four, 3–2 (80.20) Dylan Sikura (Pär Lindholm)
Shots: 29–33 (6–9, 4–5, 5–10, 13–8, 1–0)
Penalty minutes: 10–8 (2–2, 6–2, 2–2, 0–2, 0–0)