IK got exactly the start they could have hoped for at Tegera Arena. Danny Dzhaniyev redirected the puck home for 0–1 just over a minute into the game, and IK created several more chances to make the opening period considerably more difficult for Leksand.
But it did not turn out that way. Leksand came back to win 5–3. Afterwards, Ludvig Östman identified part of the problem when, according to Barometern-OT, he said IK had shown the home side too much respect.
It is an interesting explanation, but perhaps not the whole story. IK had the opportunities to make the game more one-sided early on. The problem was that they failed to take them. Once Leksand gained control, the difference in experience and proven quality became clearer.
That does not mean IK’s young players had a bad game. On the contrary, several of them continued to contribute. But the game was another reminder of why the youngsters and homegrown players should not have to carry the entire offence when injuries hit.
Östman’s words are therefore worth taking into Friday’s home game against Östersund. Respecting the opposition is one thing. Playing as though you have less to offer than you actually do is another.