It was a derby, a classic meeting and a crisis meeting at the same time.
Two teams in poor form, twelfth and eleventh in the table.
For Brynäs, the season start is a cold shower as it's gold hunting that applies after last season's final loss to Luleå. In addition, with the star Nicklas Bäckström's return to the club.
First goal at home ice
Leksand was tipped at the bottom, but the crisis atmosphere is apparent after the decision earlier in the week to close the home arena to the media during training, with the exception of one day a week.
Brynäs got a taste start as Bäckström shot 1–0 after just 78 seconds in a fully packed home arena. His first goal at home ice after his return.
Then it was "Bäckis" passing brilliance that was behind the 2–0 goal from Lucas Pettersson after half the match.
Before that, Leksand's goalkeeper Jakob Hellsten had saved two free shots from Bobby Trevigno and Michal Kempny.
But Leksand came back. Lukas Vejdemo reduced in numerical superiority before the 18-year-old Norwegian prospect Tinus Luc Koblar lifted in the equalizer after 7.22 of the third period.
But Brynäs replied directly.
Just 33 seconds later, Oskar Lindblom made it 3–2.
Lindblom now talks about the importance of understanding how his team should play.
We can't think we're some world stars and just ride around and hold the puck, it's about doing the job and the hard work, says Lindblom.
Third straight loss
Leksand got a good equalizing chance in the last minute when the home team's Robert Hägg took a penalty for crosschecking and with the goalkeeper pulled became six on four play.
But the home team withstood and could after two straight losses take the season's only fourth three-pointer. Leksand fell for the third match in a row and has only one win in the last seven matches.