Malmö Redhawks staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Växjö Lakers 2-1 in overtime during a Swedish Hockey League match on Tuesday. Lauri Pajuniemi tied the game with 1:03 remaining, securing a point before Fredrik Händemark scored the winner in sudden death. Pajuniemi later revealed he had been playing with a broken finger for parts of the season.
The game between Malmö and Växjö was a tense affair, remaining scoreless after two periods despite numerous chances and power plays. Both goaltenders shone, lacking only the final touch in crucial moments.
With under three minutes left, Växjö broke the deadlock. Lucas Elvenes fired a quick wrist shot past Malmö's netminder for a 1-0 lead, his fifth goal following a power play. Commentator Johan Edlund noted the excellent screen by Dennis Rasmussen.
Malmö pulled their goalie and mounted a desperate offensive. From nearly the identical position to his goal against Skellefteå on Saturday, Pajuniemi equalized at 1-1 with 1:03 remaining. 'He did it on Saturday and he does it now,' Edlund exclaimed.
The match proceeded to overtime, where Händemark rifled in the decisive goal just 1:38 into the extra frame, earning Malmö two vital away points. Växjö coach Björn Hellkvist expressed frustration: 'We are damn disappointed that those points slip away from us.'
Post-game, Pajuniemi disclosed playing through a broken finger for several weeks, which affected his grip on the stick. 'If you don't feel your hand, it's quite difficult to hold the club. It's basic things in hockey,' he told Hockeynews. He avoided shooting during training for a couple of weeks and used anesthetic for numbness but confirmed he is now fully healthy. 'Everyone has minor injuries at this time of year, and they just keep coming. You have to get through it,' Pajuniemi added.
Pajuniemi praised the team effort on his goal: 'I told Salo that if he passes ten times, one will probably go in. Good game from everyone, especially Fredrik Händemark who screened the goal. We need to deliver in power play and six against five, so it was nice that it went in at the end.'