Malmö Redhawks defeated Leksand 7–2 in the SHL, sending their opponents to qualifiers. The win came in a crucial match where Filip Björkman contributed a goal. Redhawks' chance for a direct spot in the quarterfinals remains alive ahead of the final round.
Malmö Redhawks secured a convincing 7–2 victory over Leksand in the SHL on Thursday, effectively sending Leksand to qualifiers. Leksand's chance to avoid the qualifiers is now merely theoretical. The match started strongly for Redhawks with an early powerplay goal by Lauri Pajuniemi, followed by 2–0 from Filip Björkman, the 22-year-old forward from Mora. It was Björkman's second SHL goal in his career.
Björkman, who was signed from Mora ahead of the season but loaned back to his parent club in November, produced 13 points (7 goals + 6 assists) in 25 Allsvenskan games. He was recalled to Redhawks in early February and has felt comfortable since. In the match, he played on a line with William von Barnekow and Isac Nilsson, who together scored two goals. "It felt like we had good chemistry and a lot of energy," says Björkman.
The win is crucial for Redhawks, who are still chasing a spot among the top six to advance directly to the quarterfinals. Ahead of the final regular-season round, Brynäs, Färjestad, Luleå, and Malmö Redhawks are all tied on 77 points, battling for positions five through eight. To achieve the goal, they need a win against Frölunda on Saturday, plus favorable results from other matches. "A lot is at stake and the table is very tight. We'll go there, give it a shot, and aim for three points," says Björkman.
Lauri Pajuniemi left the ice in the third period after a hit, as a precautionary measure according to head coach Tomas Kollar. Fredrik Händemark, with a background in Leksand, also contributed a goal. The rivalry between Björkman's Mora and Leksand is intense, but he laughs at the situation: "You have to hold your breath when entering Leksand."
Meanwhile, Redhawks continue to draw strong crowds, underscoring growing fan support regardless of the season's outcome.
