Linköping HC suffered a 7-2 defeat to Örebro HK on Thursday, marking their sixth consecutive loss and solidifying their position at the bottom of the SHL standings. Star forward Jakub Vrana was benched for the game, sparking debate among analysts. The match featured a disastrous first period for LHC and a late fight between defenders.
Linköping HC entered the game against Örebro HK already struggling as the SHL's bottom team. The match quickly turned into a nightmare for LHC, who found themselves trailing 4-0 after the first period. Örebro struck first with a goal from Christopher Mastomäki just three minutes in. Then came LHC's 'mardrömsminuten' (nightmare minute): William Wikman made it 2-0, followed 36 seconds later by Gustav Bäckström's first goal of the season. Despite a timeout, Mastomäki scored again shortly after to extend the lead to 4-0, prompting LHC coach Mikael Håkanson to pull goaltender Jesper Myrenberg in favor of Waltteri Ignatjew.
LHC managed to score twice, but Örebro pulled away for a 7-2 victory. Post-game, LHC forward Christoffer Ehn expressed frustration in a TV4 interview: "Det är pinsamt, rent ut sagt" (It's embarrassing, downright). He highlighted defensive lapses, saying, "Vi förlorar för mycket kamper" (We lose too many battles) and noted the team allowed too many odd-man rushes while failing to protect their goaltenders. Fellow forward Fredrik Karlström added, "Jag finner inte riktigt några ord" (I can't find the right words), criticizing the team's play as sending the puck away "som om det vore en handgranat" (like a hand grenade).
The benching of Jakub Vrana, who was also sidelined in the third period of LHC's previous loss to HV71, drew significant attention. Coach Håkanson explained, "Just idag har vi 12 forwards som vi tycker ska spela före" (Today we have 12 forwards we think should play ahead of him), noting Vrana needs to create more chances and shoot more. In TV4's studio, analyst Sanny Lindström called Vrana "lat i backcheckingen" (lazy in backchecking), while Staffan Kronwall defended him as an "X-faktor" (X-factor) who operates outside norms. Joel Lundqvist supported the decision, saying top players must deliver.
Tensions boiled over late when Örebro's Theodor Lennström and LHC's Luke Martin dropped the gloves in a fight, earning match penalties. This led to a power play where Örebro scored to make it 6-2, as described by commentator Stefan Klemetz: "Martin och Lennström vevar vilt" (Martin and Lennström swing wildly). The loss deepens LHC's crisis, with Ehn emphasizing the need to win battles in front of their own net before focusing on offense.
