Djurgården suffered a 3-1 defeat to Linköping HC at Saab Arena, marking a tough restart after a long break. Coach Robert Kimby described the performance as a disappointment, citing mental unpreparedness and turnovers. Goaltender Daniel Marmenlind shone despite the loss, saving 34 of 36 shots.
The match began disastrously for Djurgården, with Linköping's Christoffer Ehn scoring just 35 seconds in, beating Marmenlind on a breakaway against defenders Colby Sissons and Gustav Lindström. This early goal set the tone in a game that ended 3-1, with Djurgården's lone tally coming from Marcus Krüger, who returned from illness and broke Linköping's shutout.
Djurgården improved in the second period but lacked the intensity to challenge effectively. The third period saw Linköping extend the lead to 2-0 before an empty-net goal sealed the win. Kimby, speaking post-game, was critical: "It is a disappointment for us. It is a tough start, but I think we have too many players who do not manage to get themselves into the mental state to be ready. We make two turnovers in the first 30 seconds."
He praised Marmenlind's performance, noting the goaltender's 94% save percentage and several key stops that kept the game close. "I think he has a great game, and it is unfortunate that we cannot help him better," Kimby said. Magnus Hellberg, Djurgården's star goaltender, missed the game due to illness, as did back Oliver Kylington. The team also played without juniors Viggo Björck, Victor Eklund, and Anton Frondell, who are at the World Juniors for three weeks.
Kimby dismissed any broader issues in the team, insisting it was not a contagion. He highlighted deficiencies in the top lines, including Jesse Ylönen, Jacob Josefson, and Charles Hudon, who failed to generate significant threats. During the first period, with the score 0-1, TV expert Petter Rönnqvist called Djurgården's play naive: "You cannot come out on the road and play so naively. It does not hold to play like this if you want to win."
Player ratings reflected the subdued effort, with Marmenlind and Krüger earning top marks of seven out of ten, while several forwards like Ylönen and Joe Snively scored fours. The loss leaves Djurgården seeking a response in their next game against HV71.
