After Friday night's home win against Djurgarden Stockholm, HC Davos left winger Dick Axelsson answered a few questions about the game, his line, and the team in general. 

by Kris Watkins

DAVOS – After a disastrous loss in his hometown of Stockholm last weekend, Dick Axelsson and the rest of HC Davos were anxious to prove themselves in the return game against Djurgarden at home on Friday night, and they did that with a 3-1 win. In particular, the line of Axelsson, Perttu Lindgren and Marc Wieser stood out, scoring two of the team's three goals, and also coming close to netting a few more. The chemistry among the trio was clear to see. 

That was a solid win there tonight. How close was that to what coach Del Curto demanded from the team, and also to your own expectations? 

“You know, last week was an absolute disaster! To lose 6-0 was terrible, and we knew that we had to come out and address that tonight, and show the real HC Davos.”

You have already answered most of the next question! There must have been a lot of damaged pride in that locker room last weekend. How important was it that you came out quickly here tonight? 

“Again, we trained very hard in the week on the back of that bad performance in Stockholm, and wanted to come out hard and strong tonight. We really never got started in that game, but tonight, I know it’s a little cliché, but we started from the back and ensured we were strong on D before things then can look after themselves more up top. Things clicked well tonight, it was a good game and a fun one to play in.” 

You, in particular looked like you had a “bee in your bonnet” at times tonight, and threw a crunching but legal body-check in the second period after it seemed you had been interfered with while down on the ice. Was it good to get that out? 

“You know it was just great to play that way as a team tonight, things worked really well, we enjoyed it and got the result we wanted.” 

It’s very early on in the season. Are you generally happy with the line formations, or is there still plenty to play around with and experiment on? 

“We have more or less the same team as last year, so the lines are more or less set, and we know who plays well with who. I just really, really enjoy playing with my linemates Marc and Perttu. It’s so much fun to play with those great guys, and when you enjoy it, that certainly helps you to get results.” 

So with two wins on the board, both yourselves and Djurgarden have six points, and are in control of your own destiny. You know that the Rouen Dragons now have to win both of their remaining games in regulation, and with a better goal difference. Does that make it easier now going over to France? 

“No, nothing really changes. Yes, we know what is needed, but our task remains the same. We will travel out there on Monday, train well, and then play the game on Tuesday and try our best to get the result that we want. Each game and opponent is as important as the next.” 

Congratulations on the win, and thanks for your time. 

“Thank you.”