Rogle vs Linkopings Prediction
📣 The countdown to the new Eliteserien season is ticking down. This Wednesday, we have a friendly clash between Rögle and Linköping. Last season, the club from Ängelholm edged out their counterparts from the namesake city, holding the upper hand in their head-to-head encounters. Will the new "Lions" recruit Jakub Vrána make a difference against this stubborn opponent? Find out in our prediction.
Head-to-Head
The teams have been competing in the same league for several years. In total, the "Green-Whites" and the "Lions" have faced off 56 times, with Linköping securing four more victories (29 to 25). As we can see, this rivalry is intense and captivating. Last season, the teams clashed in four encounters, with the hockey players from Ängelholm celebrating three wins (4-1; 4-2; 2-1). The Lions managed their sole victory in overtime at the beginning of March (3-2 OT). During that game, center Henrik Thornqvist recorded a goal and an assist, but he has since left Linköping for the German league in the offseason. For Rögle, forward Josh Dickinson consistently contributed points in matchups against the Lions, and the team successfully retained him over the summer.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Rogle Team Overview
The "Green and Whites" managed to play three friendly matches in August. During the game against Färjestad, their defense couldn't contain 32-year-old Linus Johansson, who scored the only goal of the match. On August 22, the team kicked off the Red Bulls Salute tournament with a 4-1 victory over German side Munich. Each of Rögle's four lines found the net. In the final of this mini-tournament, they faced Swiss team Zug and triumphed with the same scoreline, 4-1. Zug's lineup featured notable players like Kubalik, Tatar, and Genoni, but the Swedish players weren't intimidated by their renowned opponents and secured the win. During the offseason, Danish forward Joachim Blichfeld departed from the Engelholm-based team. A standout signing was the acquisition of 29-year-old Canadian Mark Friedman.
Match Results: Rogle
Linkopings Team Overview
Last season, the "Lions" accumulated 69 points during the regular season, securing the 12th spot in the standings, but failed to make the playoffs. In August, the team played two friendly matches against Vaxjo and Orebro. The Lakers, led by Lyung and company, suffered a decisive defeat (0-4) against Vaxjo but managed a comeback victory (3-2) against Orebro. In the final minute of the third period, Swedish forward Zion Nybeck capitalized on a power play. During the offseason, the "Lions" saw the departure of American Brock Little, who retired, young Norwegian Felix Granath, and experienced Patrick Russell, who scored 7 points for Denmark in the May World Championship. The highlight of their signings was Czech forward Jakub Vrana. At one point in his career, Vrana had already played for Linkoping. In 2018, he won the Stanley Cup with Washington.
Match Results: Linkopings
🏒 Projected Lineups
Rögle: Holm - Lado, Schelin - Sandsvik, Shedin, Zaar
Linköping: Ignatiev - Bernhardt, Erkvist - Kovacs, En, Ratti
🥅 Goalkeepers
Arvid Holm, 26, played 35 games for Rögle last season, recording a solid goals-against average of 1.90. Despite suffering two losses in the playoffs, he performed well overall. Holm was drafted by Winnipeg in the 6th round back in 2017.
Finnish goaltender Valtteri Ignatiev joined Linköping from the AHL. During his stint with the Calgary Wranglers, he posted a mediocre goals-against average of 3.26 over 28 games. Ignatiev previously played for Jokerit, Jukurit, and Sweden's Mora.
Editor's Prediction
In the upcoming match, we suggest betting on Rögle to win in regulation time. The "Green and Whites" defeated Linköping three times last season, looked stronger in the preseason, and have suffered fewer roster losses. The departure of Joachim Blichfeld has not weakened the team from Ängelholm. We anticipate that Dickinson and company will be able to outplay an opponent who struggled to make the playoffs last season.
Betting Tips: Rogle - Linkopings
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