When the final whistle blew and announced the home win with 4-0 for Färjestad in the meeting with Växjö in the SHL ice hockey, the outfield players competed to give the first hug to goalkeeper Max Lagacé. Veteran defender Magnus Nygren reached him just before team captain Linus Johansson.
The audience had already sung Lagacé's name several times during the match.
I couldn't be happier. It was a really good evening and I really appreciate the fans, says the goalkeeper.
Logical zero
Maybe it was logical that the first zero came against just Växjö. Only Modo has scored fewer goals than the Smålanders in the SHL, and the loss in Karlstad was the fourth in a row.
Färjestad is feeling much better after three straight wins with a total score of 16–4. Max Lagacé has played seven matches in a row, which has contributed to the upswing after a tough start to the season.
I'm used to it. In the AHL, we had a tough schedule. It makes it easier to find the rhythm, says the 31-year-old Canadian.
A zero, of course, gives an extra confidence boost.
It's a plus, a big plus, says Lagacé.
Färjestad's coach Tomas Mitell was delighted with his goalkeeper.
Great for Max. He has worked hard. It means fantastically much. Then it's very fun that the audience rallies behind the team and an individual player. 7,000 on a Tuesday, it gives energy, says Mitell.
Tough for the away fans
Växjö's away fans were fewer. Brothers Johan and Daniel Eliasson and friend Erik Samuelsson had plenty of space as the only representatives on the away team's stand.
After the first period, they were satisfied. They saw a big difference in the players' will compared to the previous loss matches.
The rest of the match became tougher.
In the second period, David Tomasek took the lead in the scoring league from teammate Oskar Steen when he scored 1–0 in a play and 2–0 on a penalty, for a total of 15 goals.
In the third, Per Åslund and Alexander Ljungkrantz added to 4–0.
Still, the away team's coach Jörgen Jönsson, just like the team's loyal supporters, thought it pointed in the right direction.
A disappointing final result. I don't think 4–0 reflects the match. It's two teams competing and we're with it for a long time. It was a big step forward, he says.
