– I am incredibly happy and proud that we were able to get up after their forcing at the beginning. Felt like there could be a real cod today after the first quarter. In the second half we play very well at times. Despite having played many matches, we feel energetic, says Edsbyn’s hat-trick scorer Oscar Wikblad to Bandypuls.
In added time, Västerås had two great chances to get an equalizer and extra time, but goalkeeper Henrik Karlström saved the victory.
Edsbyn went all out against Bollnäs and won the fifth and decisive quarter-final away from home with 10-1 on Wednesday. Reigning champion Västerås came rested and it looked like it would be a one-sided affair when they scored 2-0 in the twelfth minute.
Goalie board behind the turn
But Edsbyn, the bandy cat with nine lives, came back. When Samuli Helavuori intercepted an unsuccessful draft by VSK goalkeeper Henrik Kjellsson and freed Oscar Wikblad who could make it 3-2 at the beginning of the second half, the ball was rolling and Byn had the initiative.
Västerås took a timeout without being able to turn the tide.
Soon after, Martin Frid knocked in 4-2. When Oscar Wikblad thumped in a corner to make it 5-2 with a quarter to go, the Hälsingar’s top scorer had completed a hat-trick.
– It’s disappointing, they scored some easy goals and got too much momentum. Maybe we were a bit cowardly at 2-0, says Västerås’ Daniel Johansson.
The semifinal series is played in the best of five games. The final will be played in Västerås on March 16.