Following their CHL opener, Skelleftea forwards Axel Holmstrom and Jimmie Ericsson broke down their 4–2 win in Nitra. While they are happy with the outcome and certain aspects – such as the power play, which they both play on – there are areas that need improvement as well.

by Tomas Schugerl

NITRA – For their first competitive game of the season, Skelleftea AIK skated into a hostile environment in Nitra, Slovakia and started out slowly against an energetic home team. However, they picked up their game in the second period and eventually won 4–2. Both Jimmie Ericsson and Axel Holmstrom were on the team's top power-play unit which produced both goals. Ericsson assisted on both power-play goals while Holmstrom won some key faceoffs.  Both answered a few questions after the game.

Gentlemen, how would you assess the game against Nitra overall?

AH: “This was our first competitive game and there was a great crowd, they were really loud and it was a surprise, but also the game was great – it was the first one and both teams came very, very close to winning.”

JE: ”The first period was very good and our goalie managed to bail us out and not give up any goals. We stepped up in the second period and the first goal was very important – we had the lead from then on, which put us in the driver's seat and allowed us to dictate the play. It was also important to get the power play going, so I'm very satisfied with the game.”

What made your power play successful today?

JE: ”We set up two good plays which came out with the goal and lead for us. The first one was a good shot from the blue line (by Tim Heed) and the second was good cross pass (from Ericsson to Janne Pesonen).” 

You weren't on the ice, but Nitra's power play also scored two goals . . .

AH: “I think that Nitra is a strong team and maybe the two goals which we gave up on the PK were also our mistakes, so we'll have to watch the video and improve on that.”

Are you satisfied with the final score?

AH: “Yes, of course. We won and that's what we played for.” 

JE: “Yes, maybe I can say that I'm satisfied with the score, but not with the performance. We can play much better, but this is just the beginning of the season, so we can improve.”

Had you ever played against a Slovakian club before or was this the first time?

AH: “I played against Slovakian teams a few times in junior, but this was for the first time I've played against a Slovakian club now as a professional.”

Your next game is Sunday in Liberec. Besides the penalty killing, is there anything you'll try to improve on?

AH: “I think maybe we'll try to start the first period better and improve that, and hopefully score more goals.”

JE: “I think that we'll play better – as the season moves on we'll fine-tune things. The first game wasn't perfect but we were able to get the win here and, looking ahead, we'll do everything we can to get more points in future games.”