It was as even and tight as one could expect when the fourth and fifth teams face each other in the first quarter-final between Frölunda and Leksand.
After a goalless first period, Malte Strömwall broke the deadlock barely nine minutes into the second when he came with speed to the right and sent the puck into the roof of the net.
The management didn’t last very long after that. Three minutes later, after a messy situation in front of the goal, Martin Karlsson was finally able to get off a finish that found its way into the goal.
After that, however, it took a long time before the next goal. It wasn’t until the match went into overtime that the decision came. There, Max Veronneau became a hero for Leksand when, immediately after the draw, he snatched the puck to himself, and despite being caught, sent the puck into the crossbar.
– Get the puck on goal and good things happen. It was nice to get it in and to be able to go home a little earlier and recharge for the next match, says Veronneau to TV4 Play about his decision.
Damage to the star
But it was a difficult start to the match and the playoffs for Leksand when star Marek Hrivik left injured in the first period. He appeared to be stuck in the ice and fell heavily into the rim. He needed help getting off the ice and did not return to the game.
See the situation in the player below.
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See the situation where Marek Hrivik injures himself. Photo: Michael Erichsen / BILDBYRÅN