Karlskoga. Four goals forward and one goal back.
With one less man.
What is the secret of Bjorklofen?
Striker Joel Mustonen, 31, believes he has the answer as Sportbladet searches for an explanation for Bjorklofen’s improbable result in the opening game of the season.
Umeå have only conceded one goal in just over 43 minutes of play inside the box in their first ten matches, which gives an impressive percentage of 95.45 per cent. No other team in Hockey Allsvenskan or the SHL reaches 90 percent.
– The big difference in playing with the square is that we receive much fewer expulsions. The discipline wasn’t nearly as good last year, so we tightened it up there. “We were also good last year, eliminating the first sending off but in the end we conceded goals,” says Mustonen, who often competes in match format.
You mean you have more energy?
– When you don’t take more than three packages, you can really focus on them. I think that’s the big key. Then of course we prepare a lot and we have some players who can go forward and score goals as well.
1/2Photo: Aaron Broman/BuildByron
“very rare”
Myles Powell has conceded two goals so far and Bjorklofen has scored four goals in attack.
-We will see how long we can keep the positive statistics. Obviously he won’t last the whole season. But we actually joked a little about it, you don’t want to talk too much about it and jinx it, says Mustonen.
Bjorklofen coach Viktor Strahle does not dare to answer how long they will remain on the positive side.
– But I’m happy as long as we do it! 1-4… This is probably the first time this has happened to me, which is very rare after ten rounds.
Teases a colleague
Stråhle buys Mustonen’s idea but above all praises his assistant coach.
– First, I should highlight my colleague Robert Lahti, who is doing an amazing job. It makes the players believe in everything we do, while we have experienced players who are used to playing a lot of minutes. Together they find the paths that get us where we are. No one relaxes, and no one beats their chests. Every time we get a chance to finish a box game, everyone puts one down power Be proud of him. I’m happy to see the whole team growing as we lift the suspension. This means we get more energy. It’s impressive, says Victor Strahle.
Bjorkloven beat Karlskoga 3-2 after a penalty shootout on Friday evening.