Djurgården is set to face Frölunda in Scandinavium, seeking revenge after an 11-2 loss earlier this season. New signing Oula Palve will debut in the first power-play unit, while forward David Blomgren sits out with a minor injury. Coach Robert Kimby emphasized the team's improvements since the defeat.
Djurgården traveled by train to Göteborg to challenge Frölunda in the SHL, aiming to overturn their 2-11 home loss from September in Globen. The team held focused power-play drills on Wednesday, integrating recent addition Oula Palve directly into the top unit after two practices.
Palve, coming from Kloten, centers a line with Joe Snively and Victor Eklund. He replaces Jacob Josefson in the first power-play group, which now features Joey LaLeggia, Joe Snively, Charles Hudon, Oula Palve, and Marcus Krüger. The second unit includes Oliver Kylington, Jacob Josefson, Ludvig Rensfeldt, Jesse Ylönen, and Anton Frondell.
"Det blir spännande att se. Han är van att spela i den där rollen. Vi tycker att det finns väldigt mycket bra attribut och så tar vi det därifrån sedan," said coach Robert Kimby about Palve.
Kylington earned his spot after scoring in the recent win over Malmö, stepping in for the ill Colby Sissons. "Först och främst, Colby har varit väldigt bra i powerplay. Men vi kommer ändå från en match där vi gör två mål där båda backarna är involverade så då fortsätter vi så," Kimby noted.
Forward David Blomgren will miss the game due to a minor issue and is resting ahead of the Saturday matchup against Timrå. With 14 forwards available, injuries to Linus Klasen and a loan of Daniel Brodin to Björklöven factor in. Defenseman Valtteri Pulli has been benched for five straight games amid stiff competition.
Kimby dismissed dwelling on the Frölunda thrashing, comparing it to past heavy defeats. "Vi är ett annat lag nu. Men vi vet om att Frölunda är ett väldigt bra lag och det kommer att bli en jätteutmaning för oss," he said, highlighting the need for a tighter road performance after a 4-2 win in Luleå.
Wednesday's training lines included:
- Forwards: Viggo Björck–Jacob Josefson–Charles Hudon; Victor Eklund–Oula Palve–Joe Snively; Jesse Ylönen–Marcus Krüger–Anton Frondell/Håvard Salsten; Albin Grewe–Ludvig Rensfeldt–Mathias Emilio Pettersen/Arvid Costmar.
- Defensemen: Gustav Lindström–Oliver Kylington; Jesper Pettersson–Joey LaLeggia; Philip Holm–Colby Sissons; August Berg–Hugo Blixt/Valtteri Pulli.
- Goaltenders: Magnus Hellberg, Daniel Marmenlind.
Absences: Hugo Hävelid (loaned to Nybro), David Blomgren (injury feel), Daniel Brodin (loaned to Björklöven), Linus Klasen (long-term injured).