Lindvall, one of the SHL’s best goaltenders, has been criticized for acting shaky at times during the long losing streak.
Against Luleå on the away pitch in the northern derby in front of a sold-out house, 6,150 spectators, he stepped forward.
He saved 22 of 24 shots and shut down a total in the penalty shootout where Simon Robertsson decided for Skellefteå.
– You know that these matches mean a lot to the fans and just as much to us. Incredibly fun, says Gustaf Lindvall.
Both Luleå and Skellefteå were below the quarter-final mark before the derby after dismal sets.
Luleå had lost three straight games, while the situation was twice as bad at Skellefteå, which had six straight losses and dropped like a stone from first to eighth place.
“petty”
The losing streak was the fourth longest in the top flight in the club’s history.
“We have been a bit careless over time and found ways to lose, but today we are a step back,” says Lindvall.
In a swinging first period, it also started badly for the guests.
Luleå took the lead after 6:47 after Linus Fröberg headed in Pontus Själin’s back-shot.
But in three minutes, the black and yellow Västerbotten team turned around.
Filip Sandberg equalized in numerical superiority with a direct shot after he had to stand unattacked in front of Joel Lassinantti in Luleåkassen.
Goal at a disadvantage
Shortly afterwards came the lead goal – in a numerical disadvantage. Andreas Wingerli shot distinctly into the roof of the net after the visitors countered lightning fast and came two against one.
Luleå took control of the second period, but could not outwit Lindvall, who in the third period also saved a free position from Einar Emanuelsson.
Then the Skellefteå goalkeeper couldn’t resist.
Jack Connolly, scoreless in eight straight games, found himself right in front of the opponent’s box in the middle of the third period and outwitted Lindvall until 2–2.
Luleå coach Thomas Berglund was happy with a point, but thinks his team should have won.
— I think we are the better team, it is strong to come back in a match like this and take points. We create chances and do a lot of the right things until the end. We are in a period where we have to work hard for our goals.