After watching the first game between HC Davos and Skelleftea AIK from the sideline, HC Davos's Swedish winger Marcus Paulsson shared his thoughts. 

by Kris Watkins

DAVOS – It's been a tough season for Marcus Paulsson health-wise, as back problems have had him in and out of the HC Davos lineup all season. When he has played, he has produced, however, with 16 points (9 + 7) in 17 NLA games, and 2 goals in 7 CHL contests. 

Last Tuesday, the 31-year-old winger was on the shelf as his Davos club played to a 1–1 draw on home ice against Skelleftea AIK, meaning their Champions Hockey League Quarter-Final will be won by the winner of this Tuesday's game in northern Sweden. Paulsson and Dick Axelsson – the team's other Swede who left last Tuesday's game early with an apparent knee problem – were in Davos's lineup on Saturday and are expected to play on Tuesday, meaning that the two Swedish forwards have a chance to help their club advance in their homeland. 

Markus, a 1–1 tie against Skelleftea . . . Are you happy with the result? 

“Well of course we wanted to win, but it was a tight game and both teams played very well. We are certainly not unhappy with the tie – after all, Skelleftea are the best team in Sweden so I think it's okay for sure.”
 
We saw a wide-open game today – a very good game to watch for neutral fans, with plenty of chances for both teams. Watching from the sideline, were there any particular moments of the game that stood out for you?
 
“Really speaking, I just enjoyed the game. I wasn't really thinking of anything special. It was just a fast, fun game to watch.”
 
Both yourself and Dick Axelsson have previous experience of playing against Skelleftea AIK in a playoff-style environment. What do you expect from them in their barn next week?
 
“I don't think they'll change their game-plan much at all. They'll play pretty much the same way, but playing at home, they'll also be more comfortable as all teams are. It's going be tough for us to beat them – we will have to step it up a couple of levels if we want to get a win there.”
 
That's true, it's definitely going to be very tough. This is probably a simple question to answer . . . As a Swedish player, is there an extra motivation for you guys playing against top Swedish teams?
 
“Of course, but I actually think it's very important for the Swiss league. If we can want to compare ourselves with the Swedish Hockey League, which is considered to be better at the moment, it's really important that we progress here, and maybe even get through to the final – I think it's a big thing for Swiss hockey.”
 
Absolutely, it's fantastic. HC Davos are the only non-Nordic team left in the last eight of this year’s CHL. There are four Finnish teams, three clubs from Sweden, and a Swiss team with a couple of Swedes playing for them. Now you need a win in Skelleftea to reach the semi-finals.
 
“Yeah, I hope that happens, and I hope that the whole of Switzerland is rooting for us! Thanks.”
 
Thank you Markus, and good luck.