Already in the second period, David Edstrom scored his first goal – and the second of the match – when Frölunda finally defeated Linköping 3-2 on Tuesday. However, Linköping came back and after a scoreless overtime, the SHL match was decided via penalty shootout.
Then David Edstrom stepped forward again and tricked a hitherto great Marcus Högberg into Linköping’s goal.
— I had a practiced version. Lasse (Johansson, Frölunda’s goalie) said he’s going far out, so try to get the puck up. I did that and it went home, he says.
TT: Were you nervous?
— I didn’t have time to get nervous. It was just bang on, I think it was good.
Brought up in Hovås
For Edstrom, who grew up in Hovås, it is a dream to play in front of thousands of supporters at Scandinavium.
And after what he himself describes as a difficult start to the season, he has now switched up his own game. Among other things, after receiving help from the mental coach Sarah Eriksson.
— After the first matches I wasn’t satisfied, so after the match against Malmö (21 September) I brainstormed ideas with Sarah, says Edstrom.
— If I make a mistake during the match, I go around and think about it, but Sarah told me to park it there so you can look at it afterwards instead of thinking about it during the match, he continues.
“Wants to win SM gold”
Last summer, the center, who has an American father and a Swedish mother, was drafted by Las Vegas. The long-term goal is to break through in the NHL, but for now the focus is on Frölunda.
— First of all, it is this season that counts and we want to win SM gold. Then we’ll see what happens, David Edstrom.