Modo beat AIK 4-3 in overtime during game one of their playoff series. AIK expressed frustration over a two-minute penalty given to Modo captain David Rundblad for a tackle on Jesper Emanuelsson, which they deemed a clear match penalty.
Modo secured a 4-3 overtime victory over AIK in the opening playoff match at Hägglunds Arena, a closely contested game where both teams traded leads and capitalized on power plays. A key point of contention arose from a tackle by Modo's David Rundblad on AIK's Jesper Emanuelsson. Referees issued a two-minute penalty after a brief delay, irking Modo fans but prompting stronger criticism from AIK, who viewed it as a knee-on-knee hit warranting a five-minute major or match penalty. AIK coach Johan Andersson called it a 'solklar femma' (clear five-minute penalty), stating, 'I believe the referee would have made a different decision if they had seen it on video.' Emanuelsson, who continued playing despite initial pain and concern for injury, agreed: 'He hits mostly the leg. It's knee on knee... Tackling the knee is probably the worst.' He referenced Christoffer Björk's prior knee injury for context. Sport chief Lasse Johansson avoided media comment, saying, 'I don't want to take it to the media.' Hockeynews reports AIK leadership raised concerns with referees and the Player Safety Group post-game, arguing the high-risk play should have drawn harsher discipline, as it would in the regular season. Andersson noted balance in officiating, mentioning a questionable penalty against Modo. On Tuesday, AIK held full training, with Björk and Daniel Ljungman skipping ice time but expected for game two. Injured Oliver Johansson practiced fully and may return, while Ludwig Blomstrand served as 13th forward and Erik Aterius was scratched.
