Rögle BK became the first team in Swedish ice hockey history to overcome a 0-3 playoff series deficit since the best-of-seven format began in 2003, defeating Färjestad BK 4-1 in the decisive game seven quarterfinal at Catena Arena in Ängelholm. Stellar goaltending from Arvid Holm and a head injury to Färjestad's Emil Larmi propelled Rögle to the semifinals against Växjö Lakers, starting Wednesday.
Rögle BK trailed 0-3 in the best-of-seven quarterfinal series but reeled off four straight wins, capped by Sunday's 4-1 victory. Fredrik Olofsson opened the scoring at 1-0, with David Tomášek tying it for Färjestad. Filip Johansson restored Rögle's lead at 2-1 by the end of the first period, where they dominated according to TV4 analysts.
Early in the second, Paul LaDue made it 3-1, but Färjestad's momentum was shattered when goaltender Emil Larmi collided head-first with Rögle forward Albin Sundsvik on a goal attempt. Larmi lay groggy and was replaced by Melker Thelin. TV4's Staffan Kronwall called it 'game over' for Larmi, while video review cleared Sundsvik of any penalty.
Färjestad thought they had cut the deficit to 3-2 through Radim Zohorna, but officials disallowed it for interference on Holm, a call upheld on review. 'I don’t understand anything. They blow the whistle as soon as the puck touches the keeper,' said Färjestad's Axel Bergkvist. Linus Sandin sealed the win with a 4-1 empty-netter.
TV4 noted Färjestad's passivity, missing forward Viktor Lodin, frustration—such as back Magnus Nygren shouting for passes with none available—and lack of physicality from earlier games. Expert Petter Rönnqvist questioned their nerves.
Rögle coach Dan Tangnes, who orchestrated a similar 0-3 comeback with Zug to win the 2021 Swiss title, praised his team's mental strength: 'It requires a strong group to shut out the outside noise saying we're done... Very proud of it. Anyone can lead when things go well, but it's harder in tough spots.' Holm added: 'It's insane. No team has done it for a reason, but we listened to Tangnes... The best part is we get to continue.'
Färjestad captain Linus Johansson expressed pride in their earlier series turnaround but called the loss tough. Tangnes anticipates a prepared Växjö but noted their coaches might relish the rest day Monday.
