Since Tommy Samuelsson was fired and club director Johan Lindbom, gold coach in 2017, took over as coach, HV71 have now taken points in five out of six games and won four of them.
The victory over Färjestad means that HV71 passes Brynäs and climbs above the qualifying line.
Brynäs, who were beaten at home against Oskarshamn, 1-7, are two points behind, but have played one game less.
It was American center Andy Miele who led the way and scored both goals in the first period as HV71 took a 2–0 lead.
Miele, with NHL credentials, has had a tough season and was poked in Lindbom’s first game as head coach. It sparked rumors that the American was on his way out.
But the transfer window has passed and Miele remains.
“I’m enjoying the first period,” said a happy Miele to C More in the first period break.
Färjestad reduced through Lucas Forsell at the beginning of the second, but HV71 pulled away with two new goals.
In-form national team forward André Petersson cannonballed 3–1 and Fredrik Forsberg headed in 4–1.
Joakim Nygård reduced in the third period before Joe LaLeggia established 5-2 in an empty cage.
In Brynäs, Anders Lindbäck started in goal, but was replaced after 0–3. The veteran goalkeeper went straight to the dressing room in disappointment, but it did not get better with the new acquisition, Finnish Jussi Olkinuora, Olympic and World Cup gold medalist with Finland last year.
Which of them is coach Mikko Manner betting on in the next match?