In the first round of 16 in the best-of-three, the Norrbottoms turned around and won on home ice. Match two, in Småland, continued in the same eventful style. A power play goal by Myles Powell, which put Oskarshamn in the early lead, was followed by a quick equalizer with Jonathan Andersson as the last Luleå player on the puck.
After that, Luleå took command of the events on the ice. Julius Honka’s 2-1 goal ended a brilliant attack, where the visitors outplayed Oskarshamn’s players score after score.
— When they start spinning, it feels like we’re getting a little small, said Oskarshamn’s forward Patrik Karlkvist in a break interview with C More.
The second period barely had time to start before Oskarshamn scored its second goal in as many attempts in a five-on-four game. Goal scorer? Patrik Karlkvist, who popped the puck up in the far corner.
With 3.46 left in the second period, Tomi Sallinen put Luleå in a new lead.
— A fun match to play. We clap, it’s a bit grumpy. I think we will find our way back to the old Luleå, defender Oscar Engsund told C More in the second period break.
During the third period, the clock seemed to be ticking faster and faster for Oskarshamn. Turn around and win or go on summer vacation was what mattered. About halfway into the third period, Ahti Oksanen renewed the home crowd’s hopes for a long spring. 3-3 on the scoreboard and extra time had to be resorted to to separate the teams.
16.47 into the fourth period, Lukas Pilö became the hero of Oskarshamn this evening.
As early as Tuesday evening, the two teams settle for the quarter-final place that is at stake.