Skellefteå AIK will face the Lahti Pelicans for the first time in Champions Hockey League history this Friday in northern Sweden. Both teams have already played two games, each securing a win and a loss. However, despite similar records, their positions on the leaderboard tell a different story.

The Swedes started the season on a high note with a 4-3 victory over Red Bull Salzburg. However, they weren’t as fortunate in their second game, losing to the Straubing Tigers in a shootout. That defeat was partly due to their numerous unnecessary penalties, which allowed Straubing to equalise, sending the game into OT. Skellefteå will need to learn from that and avoid similar mistakes against Lahti. Additionally, their powerplay performance has been lacking, and they’ll need to capitalise on those opportunities in the upcoming game.

Lahti’s season opener didn’t go as well as Skellefteå’s. They struggled a lot against Färjestad Karlstad, losing 5-0 in a game hindered by poor discipline and weak puck possession from the Finns. However, they bounced back in their second game against defending CHL Champions Genève-Servette. In that match-up, the Pelicans controlled the pace, leading three times before being forced into overtime, where they eventually won in a shootout. If Saturday's game heads into a shootout, Lahti could have the confidence needed to clinch a win.

Overall, it promises to be an interesting tie, with both teams on the hunt for more points, especially Genève who are looking to keep their hopes of a repeat of last season alive.