Luleå, despite its loyal home support, has had a tough time at home. So also on the injury front where the champion team lacks some of its key players: Emma Nordin, Michelle Karvinen, Johanna Fällman and Noora Tulus.

And the lack of established players was initially evident in Saturday's final match against Linköping. After just over half the first period played, the guests had taken a stable lead with 2-0 after goals by Linnéa Johansson and Tori Hickel.

- It was incredibly nice to get it, it was a long time ago, Johansson told SVT Sport during the period break and continued:

- We came out really well in the first period, I already knew before the game that everyone was tagged in the dressing room.

"This means a lot to us"

Not until eight minutes into the third period did Luleå - or Finnish Petra Nieminen wake up, who in the absence of the stars stepped forward and showed the way with two reduction goals in just under two minutes.

The 20-year-old then completed a hat trick as she put 3–3 and took the match to an extension.

Once there, Linköping won with a score of 3-4 after a goal by Madelen Haug-Hansen.

- We stuck to our gameplan that we have set up. We did a lot of skating and I think everyone who was here today played really good ice hockey, we played for each other. It was great to see, says Linköping's coach Madeleine Östling to SVT Sport.

Negative home trends continue

How important is it for you to win against a rival like Luleå?

- It is important for us to win hockey matches. It is not only Luleå who is good in this league, we need to win hockey matches, take points and receive a reward for the performance we do. I think we have performed well in the past but have not received any points so this means a lot to us.

The negative home trend thus continues for Luleå, who has now lost three of five matches at home.