Weekly Recap: Play in Round

Post Season

It's the time of year that every hockey fan looks forward too, the playoffs are upon us. There was very little rest for the four teams who finished outside the top six however. The regular season ended on Tuesday evening and Luleå, Timrå, Rögle and Örebro were on the ice Thursday evening to kick off the 2024 quest for the Le Mat Trophy.

Luleå, having finished 7th was taking on Örebro who managed to sneak into the post season and bump MoDo out on Tuesday night. Game 1 was in Örebro as the hometown team, being the heavy underdogs, gave the crowd something to cheer for. Despite the fact that they were outshot they were able to come away with the narrow 2-1 victory as a goal in the second half of the third period was able to break a 1-1 deadlock and they were able to hold on for the win. Of course, being the play in round, it is a best of three series, so the first win for Örebro was huge. Not only did they give themselves a chance to close out the series in game two, but they managed to win their only game at home for the play in round, which is very important.

Game two shifted up North to Luleå, who came to play. Although they managed to outshoot Örebro in game 1, this game was far more lopsided on the shot clock. Luleå managed to hold Örebro to just 12 shots on net, including only two in the third period. They were also able to put together a three goal second period and come away with the 3-0 win to tie the series at one game a piece. This was also a big win for team moral as Luleå broke a seven game losing streak against Örebro dating back to early last season. The third and decisive game will take place tonight in Luleå. 

Jack Connolly.

The second series of the play in round saw Timrå taking on Rögle. Rögle finished behind Timrå in the standings which meant game 1 was in Ängelholm on Thursday evening. Timrå was able to open the scoring in the first frame, however that's all the offence they would muster. Rögle was able to ripple the mesh twice in both the second and third periods and came away with the big 4-1 win, giving them an opportunity to close out the series on Saturday. 

Rögle came out strong in game two as they would score the first three goals of the game, two in the first period and one in the second. However Timrå came out hard and strong in the third frame. They registered a whopping 22 shots on net in the final frame of regulation and scored a pair of goals. Unfortunately they could not complete the comeback and Rögle would punch their ticket to the quarterfinals with the 3-2 win. The lopsided shot clock was not only in the third period however, as Rögle managed just 11 shots on target all game but were still able to come away with the win. 

Rögle will be watching the other series with anticipation tonight. If Luleå wins, Rögle will be facing Färjestad and if Örebro wins they'll be facing the Växjö Lakers. 

Rögle celebrating.

Relegation Round 

The relegation round also kicked off this week as HV71 and Oskarshamn play a best of seven series to determine who will be heading back to Hockey Allsvenskan next year. HV71 are hoping to avoid another relegation after they were knocked out of the league for the first time in club history in 2021. Oskarshamn was promoted for the first time in club history back in 2019 but had one of the worst regular seasons in recent memory this year. 

Game 1 and 2 were both played in Jönköping and it was important for Oskarshamn to come away with at least one win in the opening games in order to take away the home ice advantage for HV71. That's exactly what they did in game 1 on Friday night. They came out hard and scored the opening four goals of the game, two in the first and one in both the second and third periods. HV71 was able to score a pair of their own in the final frame but it was not enough. Oskarshamn would come away with the 4-2 victory. 

Game 2 was on Sunday as HV71 would turn things around and avoid heading back to Oskarshamn down by a pair of games. They would come away with a 4-0 victory, which included a 3 goal third period and a 28 save shutout to tie the series at one game a piece. The series now shifts back to Oskarshamn for game 3 and 4 which are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday evening this week. 

Mattias Tedenby.

Högberg

With the playoffs underway it's no surprise that off ice news this week was very limited. In fact there is just one story worth noting over the past week and it's one that Linköping fans are going to be very happy about. 

Marcus Högberg has agreed to a new deal with the team that, just like Fantenberg and Rattie, removes his Switzerland movement clause. It also sees his contract extended until 2028.

- It feels incredibly good. I am very happy to have this opportunity and it gives me a really nice feeling in my body. Linköping Hockey Club is very close to my heart and Linköping as a city is like home to me and my family. Saab Arena has become my home just like for our children who run around the corridors here and watch almost every home game, says Marcus Högberg

Högberg appeared in 40 games this season and posted a 2.51 GAA a .914SV% and a record of 21-18 with 4 shutouts. 

- Fantastic feeling for Linköping Hockey Club and Linköping as a city to get Marcus Högberg on a long-term contract without "out clauses". It gives us enormous security that we have now secured two very talented goalkeepers for some time to come. Marcus is in his "prime age", says LHC's sports director Peter Jakobsson.