Rögle BK captain Anton Bengtsson and Växjö Lakers assistant captain Dennis Rasmussen traded blows late in the second period of Game 4 of their SHL playoff semifinal, earning match penalties. Rögle won the game 4-1 in Ängelholm, taking a 3-1 series lead. Neither player faces further discipline.
The incident occurred at Catena Arena in Ängelholm during Rögle's 4-0 lead toward the end of the second period. Växjö's Ludvig Nilsson and Rögle's Paul LaDue first received two-minute roughing penalties. Just 16 seconds later, Bengtsson and Rasmussen clashed after a stick to Bengtsson's stomach knocked off his helmet, resulting in 5+20 minute penalties and match ejections for both centers, who are rarely involved in fights. Bengtsson had only 18 penalty minutes all regular season, Rasmussen 14. Both are experienced World Championship players, aged 32 and 35 respectively. The players have faced off intensely in faceoffs throughout the series, building frustration, according to Bengtsson. 'I've met Dennis in every faceoff circle in this series,' Bengtsson told Helsingborgs-Dagblad. 'It felt like there was some frustration from him, and I had frustration from the previous game, especially the faceoffs.' He added: 'I got a stick right in the stomach, my helmet flew off, and I had to stand up for myself and make the best of the situation.' No charges were filed with the discipline committee, given their clean reputations. Bengtsson called it likely his first match penalty in 13 seasons and noted he was applauded as he left the ice. Rögle can clinch the series and advance to the SM final with a win in Game 5 at Växjö's Vida Arena on Thursday.
