Linkoping have big mountain to climb at home

They're playing at home, but Linkoping HC have a big mountain to climb after losing the first game 4-0 to reigning SHL and CHL champions Frolunda Gothenburg.

"We've put ourselves in a tough spot, but we've seen before that strange things happen in hockey," said Linkoping coach Dan Tanges, who remains confident despite the deficit. "If we can lose a game 4-0, I'm pretty confident that we can win a game by four goals, but of course it's a tough spot."

If they do come back, they'll have to generate some offence, which hasn't been an easy task against Frolunda these days. Last Tuesday was goalie Kevin Bakala's third straight shutout. 

"I'm obviously happy and proud, but it's another game, another day," said a humble Bakala, who made 29 saves in the first game. His shutout streak has since ended, so it remains to be seen who starts in goal for Frolunda on Tuesday.