Linköping has had a difficult period where the last few days have taken a lot of energy.
In the home game on Tuesday – big loss against Malmö – the home crowd turned against their team and questioned the club’s heart.
Something that took a toll on the players.
After that came another loss, 2–3 after penalties against Leksand, and there was concern among the players how the home fans would react in Saturday’s match.
Anniversary and party atmosphere
Instead, it was a party atmosphere, the White Lions supporters’ club celebrated 35 years and 8,190 spectators enjoyed the home team for a good 39 minutes, biting their nails for the last 20 minutes, but finally had to cheer.
— We are coming from a negative trend, so it was nervous and convulsive before. This is probably the best match in terms of atmosphere, says Costmar and praises the crowd.
Linköping established the victory with five red-hot minutes in the second period when the team went from 1–0 to 4–0.
Doldisar stepped forward
Then it was the team’s hideaways in the fourth chain who stepped forward. Especially Vilmos Gallo who shot 2–0 and then stood for the twilight in front of Leksand’s goalkeeper Kasimir Kaskisuo when Jonas Junland shot 3–0 and and Craig Shira scored 4–0.
Gallo on his goal:
— I got a really good backhand flip from Costmar so it was just a matter of shooting, I even managed to aim. It’s always nice to score goals, we try to contribute with a lot of energy and hard work, says Gallo.
Leksand reduced three times – through John Quenneville at the end of the second, Oskar Lang and Marek Hrivik in the third period.
The last three minutes were a trial for a pressed Linköping.
— Incredibly strong of the boys to tie it together, says Costmar.
Linköping extended the margin to the qualifying mark in the bottom battle, while the top team Leksand suffered their second straight away loss.