Linkoping vs Kiekko-Espoo

The opening 18 minutes decided the match. Kiekko-Espoo's three first-period goals — two from Tuomaala and one from Kangasniemi — gave them a two-goal cushion that Linkoping spent the rest of the game chasing. The SHL side's slow start, reminiscent of their scoreless outing against Färjestad six days earlier, proved too much to overcome even with a stronger second-half showing.

• Arttu Tuomaala (Kiekko-Espoo) — Two goals inside the first 18 minutes set the tone. The Finnish forward's ice-cold finishing in Linkoping's own building was the difference.
• Iikka Kangasniemi (Kiekko-Espoo) — A goal in the first period continued his strong pre-season form after scoring against Tappara.
• Linkoping's attack — Anonymous in the first 40 minutes of pre-season (0 goals across two matches until the 40th minute here), Linkoping's forwards finally found chemistry in P2 and P3, scoring three goals overall.

Player of the Match: Arttu Tuomaala — Two clinical first-period goals that gave Kiekko-Espoo a lead they never relinquished.

All seven goals were scored across 49 minutes of play, with four coming in a frantic first period. Linkoping scored three goals after trailing 4-1, suggesting an improved second-half performance, but the damage was done early. The SHL side are now 0-2 in pre-season with a goal difference of 3-6, while Kiekko-Espoo (2-0 in friendlies) have looked sharper in the early stages of their preparation — likely aided by Liiga's earlier regular-season start on 1 September.

Linkoping remain winless in pre-season (0-2) ahead of their next friendly at home against AIK on Saturday 22 August at 15:00 local time. Kiekko-Espoo continue with a trip to Pelicans Lahti on 21 August before hosting Växjö Lakers in a double-header on 26-27 August.

For a betting perspective: Linkoping's slow starts (0 goals in the first 40 minutes of pre-season across two matches) are a developing pattern worth monitoring ahead of the SHL season starting 19 September. Kiekko-Espoo have won both pre-season games by multi-goal margins.

A deserved win for Kiekko-Espoo, sharper and more clinical in the decisive first period. Linkoping showed signs of life in the second half but pre-season results are secondary to fitness — the SHL side need to address their slow starts before the real business begins.