It was a dramatic first period for Skellefteå and Brynäs as the men's SHL season got underway on Saturday afternoon. The home team took an early lead before Brynäs responded shortly afterwards.
In the second period, last season's champions stepped up their game. Goals from Rickard Hugg, Hudson Fasching and Mikkel Aagaard meant that Skellefteå went into the break with a comfortable 6-2 lead.
Things didn't get any better for Brynäs in the final period either. There was no push to narrow the scoreline. The match ended 7-2.
"I don't know where to start. We gave away goals, we were just too sloppy," Gävle team captain Johan Larsson told TV4 Play.
Brynäs head coach Niklas Gällstedt was careful to point out that the loss was not due to goalkeeper Erik Källgren, who was substituted before the third period.
The goals cannot be blamed on Erik Källgren. We did it to wake up the team. We made so many mistakes, changed when they had the puck and other things. It was foolish, Gällstedt said according to Aftonbladet.
Skellefteå–Brynäs: 7-2
Linköping–Timrå: 3-2
HV71–Malmö: 4-5 (after extra time)
Frölunda–Växjö: 5-4
