Modo Hockey suffered a 1-3 defeat to Södertälje, marking their third straight loss in the HockeyAllsvenskan. Coach Mattias Karlin expressed measured dissatisfaction, highlighting penalties and a lack of finishing despite positive efforts in the third period. He called for better performance from veteran defensemen David Rundblad and Victor Berglund.
Modo Hockey's struggles continued with a 1-3 loss to Södertälje on Wednesday evening, following defeats of 1-4 to both Västerås and Troja-Ljungby. This marked the team's third consecutive defeat, leaving coach Mattias Karlin somewhat less critical than after the prior games but still pointing to areas for improvement.
In post-game comments to TV4, Karlin noted, 'Mycket är bra, men tyvärr sätter vi käppar i hjulet när vi tar utvisningar. Vi fick en jäkla brant uppförsbacke. Men efter 3–0 gör vi väldigt mycket bra saker.' He praised increased involvement and energy, saying, 'Framförallt att fler är delaktiga, och bättre energi i båset. Vi spelar mer med fem man, kommer till bra avslut. Men det sista lilla finns inte där idag.'
The team was without three regular defensemen and forward Viktor Persson, who missed the game. Modo brought in Jesper Broeng on loan from Mariestad. Newcomer Gerry Fitzgerald, in his first two matches, added speed and strong faceoff wins, though not yet at peak form, according to Karlin: 'Han har skapat lite fart i det hela, vinner tekningar. Han är självklart inte i toppform men det räckte för att visa att han kommer ge oss en dimension till.'
Karlin was direct about expectations for established players, telling Allehanda, 'Det är klart att vi har högre krav på de som varit med tidigare. Då tänker jag framförallt på Rundblad och Berglund. De kan leverera bättre.' He added that Rundblad and Berglund are aware of the standards, given Rundblad's extensive experience.
Earlier, ahead of the Södertälje matchup, Karlin had warned of a 'kollektivt ras' if the team failed to compete collectively, emphasizing unity over individual efforts: 'Tävlar man inte i den här sporten är det rökt.' He stressed the need for humility and team cohesion, noting Troja's harder collective play in the previous loss.