The Stavanger Oilers opened their season against Färjestad Karlstad with a powerplay goal seven minutes in, but it would be Färjestad’s defence that would be their undoing as the Norwegians would eventually fall to the Swedish side by a 4-2 final. The Växjö Lakers, however, easily handled the Lahti Pelicans and ran away with a 5-1 victory to claim their opener.

The first 19 minutes of the first period were exactly what Stavanger scripted as they played hard, battled for pucks, and took the lead on a Martin Gran goal to break the ice. But with less than a minute to go, the Swedes' Joel Nyström lifted a backhand that tied the game and shifted momentum. Stavanger continued to mount pressure and fired 25 shots at Carl Lindbom, but Färjestad’s stingy defensive play was enough to hold them off. Anders Henriksen brought the Norwegians to within a goal but the stellar play of Lindbom & co. eliminated any chance of a comeback for the hosts.

As they prepare to face Växjö, there isn’t much Stavanger need to change. Their overall structure was there and they played with the intensity needed in this competition. They converted on the man-advantage, but they also gave up a powerplay goal. Staying disciplined will help them as they look to take down a team that seemed unstoppable in Finland.

The Swedish side played a near perfect road game and came away with three important points on Game Day 1. Växjö handled the puck well, produced 32 shots on goal and found the net five times - twice by Joachim Blichfeld. They held the advantage in special teams, earning nine powerplays and killing off both of Lahti's, and the Swedes were able to score at both even strength and on the powerplay.

For Växjö, their main task is continuing to mount pressure in the offensive zone and force the attack. They were successful in hemming the Finns in their own zone for long stretches which led to them generating quality chances.