Modo defeated AIK 4-3 in overtime in the first game of their Hockeyallsvenskan quarterfinal series on Monday evening in Örnsköldsvik. Emil Larsson scored the winner 4:47 into overtime, while Tyler Kelleher tallied two goals for the home team. AIK fought back twice but could not overcome Modo's momentum in the third period.
The match between Modo and AIK was a tight contest that required overtime to decide. Modo struck first through Tyler Kelleher's goal in the opening period, leading 1-0 after 20 minutes. The second period saw four goals: Daniel Ljungman tied it at 1-1 on a rebound from Modo goaltender Adam Werner, Simon Åkerström put AIK ahead 2-1 on the power play, Linus Andersson equalized at 2-2, and Kelleher restored Modo's lead at 3-2 on another power play. Ljungman tied it again at 3-3 late in regulation on another Werner rebound, forcing overtime. Emil Larsson then won it for Modo, roofing a shot off the faceoff at 4:47 of the extra frame, both teams having scored on the power play despite recent struggles there in the regular season. Both goalies shone, with AIK's Victor Brattström saving a Kelleher penalty shot and making key stops, including on Gerry Fitzgerald in overtime. Modo controlled chances overall, per reports. Modo sport chief Henrik Gradin filled in as coach with head coach Fredrik Andersson suspended, calling it 'jävligt kul' and noting the win helped relax the team ahead of a potentially long series. 'Eftersom jag vann så är jag skitnöjd,' Gradin said. AIK's Johan Andersson praised his team's defense but noted Modo's superior puck care and transition play: 'Modo vårdar pucken på ett bättre sätt.' Scott Pooley, with two assists, added, 'Vi gjorde en hel del bra saker... Det är bara att ladda om till onsdag.' Larsson, returning after missing Modo's last five regular-season games, felt rested: 'Jag har vilat kroppen.' AIK missed forward Oliver Johansson, day-to-day, while Modo lost defenseman Viktor Persson to injury late. Game two is Wednesday.
