Skellefteå AIK clinched the win from Frölunda Gothenburg in their First Game clash in the Champions Hockey League Quarter-Finals. The 1-0 victory provides a crucial one-goal aggregate lead, which they'll need, given the reputation preceding Frölunda, but the last game could have gone either way.

The sole goal credited to Skellefteå forward Andreas Wingerli was a stroke of luck for the host side, who were otherwise kept scoreless on the night by Frölunda netminder Lars Johansson. 

Shots and shots on goal were relatively even between the two teams, although hosts Skellefteå were slightly ahead with 24 compared to Frölunda's 20. Powerplays were few in number, and neither side found success converting on the man-advantage play. The team from Gothenburg did however dominate on faceoffs, winning 29 compared to Skellefteå's 17, as well as hits with 21 to 13.

With an average of 4.56 goals scored per game, a prolific offensive punch is one hallmark of Frölunda's playing style. A key cog in that wheel is forward and top scorer Ryan Lasch, who was missing from their arsenal during Tuesday's game.  

Pontus Johansson was another notable absence for Frölunda. The 21-year-old defenceman, also in his first season with Frölunda, has been a standout player notching seven points over eight games.

Between the pipes, and with just three CHL games under his belt so far this season, Skellefteå's Linus Söderstrom hasn't attracted a lot of attention to date, but the 26-year-old netminder was flawless in the crease stopping all 20 attempts from Frölunda. With 71 saves and five against this season, Söderstrom is averaging 1.67 goals per game, putting him in the upper echelon when it comes to save percentages. 

Johanson in comparison has shouldered the bulk of the playing time for Frölunda and currently averages 2.01 goals per game.

The defensive efforts of Skellefteå combined with a slightly depleted Frölunda roster churned out a First Game win, but can it be done a second time? 

Expect a tight defensive game from both sides. With a 31.58% conversion on the man-advantage play, Skellefteå have the best powerplay in the competition right now, something Frölunda will be cognisant of. In turn, the team in black and yellow will be on their toes batting down what will surely be a barrage of offense from the top team when it comes to goals per game.

For Frölunda this is a do-or-die game. It's win or exit for the four-time CHL Champions, and they're on the back-leg against Skellefteå who are on an eight-game winning streak. Fans will be in for a treat as these two SHL powerhouses lock horns for an intense Return Game.