Frölunda secured a 2-1 victory over HV71 in a Swedish Hockey League match at home, extending HV71's winless streak on the road this season. The game featured a strong start by HV71, but Frölunda pulled ahead with late first-period and early second-period goals. Tensions escalated when Frölunda defenseman Dominik Egli left the ice bloody after a scuffle.
The match between Frölunda and HV71 highlighted contrasting fortunes, with Frölunda continuing its strong form while HV71 struggles away from home. HV71 opened aggressively, generating nine shots on goal in the first 10 minutes compared to Frölunda's one, including chances from Henrik Tömmernes and Tom Nilsson. However, with 1:17 remaining in the first period, Arttu Ruotsalainen scored to give Frölunda a 1-0 lead.
In the second period, Jere Innala extended the advantage to 2-0 early on, marking his fourth goal of the season. Shortly after, with over nine minutes left, Frölunda's Dominik Egli engaged in a heated exchange with HV71's Martin Johnsen. Egli lost his helmet, was taken down, and left the ice bleeding from the head. Isac Born served a roughing penalty for Frölunda. Egli briefly returned during a power-play situation but did not play in the third period. Earlier, Noah Hasa laid a hit on Jamiro Reber in the first period.
HV71 pulled one back in the third through Jamiro Reber on a rebound, but could not equalize. Both of HV71's goals came from rebounds, underscoring defensive lapses in front of their net, according to coach Anton Blomqvist. "We are good for the first 14-15 minutes, but then they overwhelm us," Blomqvist said. "Had we not had the goaltending we did, it would have been bigger numbers."
Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson acknowledged HV71's strong start but noted his team's lapse in focus late. "We make it unnecessarily exciting. HV71 is skilled enough with the puck that you can't let them into the game like that," he said. On Egli's injury, Ohlsson added, "He takes a hit to the head and needs to be checked." He viewed the scuffle as typical hockey emotions. Goaltender Lasse Johansson earned praise for his performance.
The win keeps Frölunda riding a wave of success, while HV71 remains without an away victory this season. Max Friberg played his 500th SHL game, becoming the eighth active player to reach that milestone.