Rögle BK claimed a 5-3 victory over Malmö Redhawks in the second Skånederby of the season at Catena Arena, marked by intense rivalry and several injuries. Standout performer Leon Bristedt scored twice and added an assist for Rögle, while the match saw controversy over a stopped supporter tifo. Both teams dealt with key absences due to on-ice incidents.
Match Overview
The Skånederby at Catena Arena in Ängelholm delivered high emotions from the opening faceoff, with Rögle BK defeating Malmö Redhawks 5-3. The game featured physical play, crowd roars after every hit, and post-whistle tensions, echoing the intensity of the previous week's derby. Rögle's coach Dan Tangnes had emphasized restoring derby heat, and the match lived up to that with rivalries building on and off the ice.
Rögle took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, thanks to goals from Leon Bristedt and Paul LaDue, with Robin Hanzl scoring for Malmö.
Standout Performances and Injuries
Leon Bristedt transformed from a slow start to a dominant force, contributing two goals and one assist, setting the tone early. His performance recalled his high-paid stint in Switzerland, providing the offensive leadership Rögle needs.
Injuries marred the game. Rögle captain Anton Bengtsson left in the first period after colliding with Hanzl near center ice, lying on the ice for an extended time before exiting to the locker room. No penalty was called, deemed pure misfortune by TV4 experts Almen Bibic and Petter Rönnqvist, who noted no intent from Hanzl. Bengtsson did not return for the second period.
Rögle's Josh Dickinson was tripped in the middle of the game and left briefly but returned for the third period. For Malmö, goaltender Marek Langhamer exited late in the second after Dennis Everberg collided with him, hitting his head; Langhamer, with a history of head injuries, did not return.
Malmö's goaltending has been questioned this season, prompting suggestions to recall Oskar Blomgren from Nybro or sign veteran Zane McIntyre for stability. Defenseman Robin Salo appeared a shadow of his top form from last year, struggling with decisions and confidence.
Supporter Controversy
Rögle's tifogroup Green & White expressed fury after their tifo was halted by club VD Alen Bibic hours before puck drop. The display, costing over 600 hours and 20,000 SEK, drew from a chant but was deemed potential incitement that could scare off sponsors. In a statement on X, the group declared: "We will never accept being silenced by the club, and the hatred towards MIF must ALWAYS be expressed in ALL its forms." They questioned Bibic's leadership and vowed to stand firm, emphasizing their role in the club's culture.
The win bolsters Rögle amid injury concerns, while Malmö faces uncertainty in net and beyond.