Three straight defeats and IK stuck in mid-table. The gap to the top is growing, and the distance to the lower reaches is not large. Against Mora, IK need to win and give us some hope again.
The frustrating thing is that IK have a good team. At times they play entertaining hockey, but the squad lacks the depth and experience to beat strong opponents consistently.
With Manuel Ågren, Pontus Näsén and Ludvig Östman back, plus one or two established, high-quality forwards, we believe IK could have challenged for the top three. But time is running out. In fact, it probably already has.
After roughly ten games, a league table starts to take shape. Climbing all the way to the top from a poor position is difficult. IK have, in our view, already squandered much of the opportunity to compete for the highest places.
The target now should be a top-six finish. We do not believe IK have much chance of going deep in the playoffs if they start further down. Even sixth place will require the club to act.
Opportunities do not wait
IK have repeatedly struggled to seize opportunities when they arise. In the final SHL season, the club waited too long to change a system that was not working. Since then, recruitment and investment decisions have not always paid off. Now the club appears far too cautious with its spending when it has a promising squad worth strengthening.
The risk is another season spent wondering what might have been. It is also a financial risk: IK depend on their supporters, and continued defeats could mean emptier stands. Not investing can be expensive too.
No more honourable defeats
We have accepted that IK probably will not challenge for the very top this season. That does not mean we like it or that we will stop following and supporting the team.
The players have shown that there is quality to build on. Now they need results, and the supporters need a reason to believe again.
Against Mora, a decent performance, a few impressive passages or another comeback that ends in defeat will not be enough.
Three points. Nothing else will do.