Everybody's favorite non-Edmonton-based Oiler has started the season in the Swedish Elite League. Anton Lander's Timrå IK Red Eagles began the season with a victory at home against the the pre-season SEL favorite, Frölunda Indians, 6-2. Lander was good for two assists, including one to close friend Sebastien Erixon. Game two at Linköpings HC was a tough one for Lander as he was held off of the scoresheet in a 5-2 loss. Game three against Luleå was a defensive struggle as Timrå won 2-1 in overtime.
I hope to a detailed report from Jimmy Hamrin's for my next Lander update, but for now we can use his game notes and rankings to get a peek a Lander's performance.
Lander has centered third line for wingers Per Hallin and the Norwegian Martin Röymark. Jimmy Hamrin's player ranking for Lander in the first game was a 3/5 and Hamrin noted that Lander "won puck battles" and "got the puck out of the zone". In the second game at Linköpings, Jimmy gave Lander a 2/5, noting that he was good defensively, but not much else. Hamrin was disappointed with the entire team's lack of effort, except that of Sebastien Erixon, who was singled out as being outstanding. In the third game home against Luleå, Hamrin gave Lander a 2/5, and seemed disappointed in his overall game. He "created some chances, but did not drive play". Jimmy also thinks it might be time to mix the lines a bit.