Story Summary
Linköping reached the Malmö Arena Cup final with a 4-3 shootout win over Malmö after a roller-coaster semifinal. Linköping took a two-goal lead, Malmö fought back to level late in the third and forced overtime; the match was settled in a shootout when Cooper Marody converted the decisive penalty.
Key Facts
- Match: Malmö – Linköping 3-4 SO (0-1, 0-1, 3-1, 0-0, 0-1).
- Linköping scorers in regulation: Jakub Vrana, Brendan Shinnimin and Cooper Marody (Marody also scored the winning shootout penalty).
- Cooper Marody recorded two goals for Linköping, the second being the decisive shootout conversion.
- Malmö scored three third-period goals to level the game, including a power-play tap-in with 2:21 left and a sixth-second equaliser after pulling the goalkeeper.
- A penalty shot awarded to Malmö’s Filip Björkman in the second period was stopped and did not reduce Linköping’s lead.
- In the shootout Samu Tuomaala scored first for Linköping, Janne Kuokkanen equalised, and Cooper Marody scored the final, match-deciding strike.
- Linköping will meet Örebro in the tournament final; Malmö will play HV71 in the third-place match.
IHM Discussion
This was a match of momentum swings and composure under pressure. Linköping built a comfortable platform with a first-period lead and a second-period rebound finish from Brendan Shinnimin to go 2-0 up. With time evaporating they looked set to reach the final after Cooper Marody struck to make it 3-2 with around a minute remaining, but Malmö’s late desperation paid off when they pulled their goalie and forced a 3-3 draw with six seconds left. The shootout distilled the contest: Samu Tuomaala opened the tiebreaker, Janne Kuokkanen replied, and Marody then showed the necessary calm to secure the win for Linköping.
Why It Matters
The result sends Linköping into the tournament final against Örebro. Malmö showed character to overturn a two-goal deficit and force overtime, while Linköping’s late concession means they will want a cleaner finish when they face Örebro. The match also highlighted the value of composure in shootout situations.
Mini Q&A
What was the final score?
Linköping beat Malmö 4-3 in a shootout (3-3 after overtime).
Who scored the decisive goal?
Cooper Marody scored the decisive shootout penalty and finished with two goals in the match.
How did Malmö force extra time?
Malmö scored twice late in the third period – including a power-play tap-in with 2:21 remaining and an equaliser with the goalkeeper pulled six seconds from time – to make it 3-3 and force overtime.
Who converted in the shootout before Marody’s winner?
Samu Tuomaala opened the shootout with a goal, and Janne Kuokkanen answered for Malmö before Marody scored the decisive penalty.
What are the next matches?
Linköping will meet Örebro in the tournament final, while Malmö will play HV71 for third place.
Coach Mark Comment
Linköping created a strong platform at 2-0, but the late comeback is a reminder that game management matters as much as building a lead. Malmö deserve credit for staying engaged and creating enough pressure to force overtime; Linköping’s shootout execution then settled it.
IHM Final View
Linköping take the headline from Malmö Arena with a narrow, hard-fought victory. Cooper Marody’s contribution in both regular play and the shootout was decisive, while Malmö’s late rally gives them cause for belief despite the defeat. The upcoming final against Örebro presents Linköping with a concrete chance to convert this momentum into tournament silverware.