Skellefteå AIK come back to beat Färjestad in 6-4 thriller

Skellefteå AIK won a crazy, see-saw top-of-the-table SHL match against Färjestad.

Skellefteå AIK won a crazy match against Färjestad.

Skellefteå AIK won a crazy match against Färjestad.

Foto: Ola Westerberg

Ishockey2024-10-25 09:14

In a thrilling clash with rivals Färjestad, Skellefteå's 19-year-old phenom Axel Sandin Pellikka emerged as the hero, leading Skellefteå to a remarkable comeback victory.

With a dazzling solo effort, with just two minutes left, Pellikka carried the puck from his own zone, showcasing a level of skill reminiscent of NHL superstar Connor McDavid. 

– He's got that deceptive look in his eyes, just like McDavid, said SVT Sports expert Jonas Andersson during the post-game analysis.

Pellikka described the game-winning goal:

– I had a bit of space to maneuver, made a quick move, and managed to sneak it past the goalie. It was an incredible feeling, he said to TV4 Play.

Färjestad appeared poised for a comfortable win but were undone by two costly penalties, paving the way for Pellikka's heroics. His individual goal came just 33 seconds after Skellefteå tied the game at 4-4.

– Scoring game-winners is always exciting, and this one was especially thrilling, Pellikka added.

The game concluded with a 6-4 victory for Skellefteå, sealed by Rickard Hugg's empty-net goal.

– These are the kinds of games you live for. It had a playoff-like intensity, with plenty of physicality on and off the ice, Pellikka said.

Match facts

Skellefteå AIK–Färjestad BK 6–4 (0–1, 1–1, 5–2)

Goals : 0–1 (16.02) Marian Studenic (Kellman), 1–1 (22.52) Max Lindholm (Lundberg, Davidsson), 1–2 (36.16) Axel Bergqvist (Tornberg, Kellman), 1–3 (42.44) Joakim Nygård (Åslund, Andersson), 2–3 (45.08) Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (P. Lindholm), Sandin Pellikka), 3–3 (49.23) Anton Heikkinen (Sandin Pellikka), 3–4 (54.49) David Tomasek (Nygren, Åslund), 4–4 (57.30) Oscar Lindberg (Pudas, J. Johnson), 5–4 (58.03) Axel Sandin Pellikka (Söderström), 6–4 (empty goal) Rickard Hugg.

Shots : 39–34 (11–17, 12–8, 15–9)

Penalty minutes : 6–10