Malmö Redhawks mounted a comeback against league leaders Frölunda to secure a point in a 2-3 shootout loss. Goaltender Oskar Blomgren made 32 saves but was self-critical afterward. The team's morale and fighting spirit were praised as key to the positive outcome.
Malmö Redhawks faced league leaders Frölunda in a Boxing Day match before 12,600 spectators in the arena. Frölunda dominated the start and took the lead through Noah Hasas goal. Redhawks' 21-year-old goaltender Oskar Blomgren was dissatisfied with the save: 'He just wristed it. I wasn't quite ready for that. I should have it every day of the week.'
During the break between the first and second periods, the team had an important talk in the locker room. 'It was about us needing to skate much more. And not show any respect. Put more focus on finishing and going 100 percent,' says Blomgren. Frölunda extended the lead to 2-0 with another goal by Hasa, which Blomgren also criticized himself for: 'I wasn't super good there either. I know I can do it better.'
With just over ten minutes left in the third period, Axel Sundberg reduced the deficit to 1-2, and the crowd lifted the team. Janne Kuokkanen dribbled through but couldn't beat Frölunda goaltender Lasse Johansson, and Robin Salo hit the post. With 2:26 remaining, Frölunda's Arttu Ruotsalainen was penalized, and Redhawks pulled Blomgren to play six against four. With 44 seconds left, Calle Persson tied it, but the puck deflected off Fredrik Händemark: 'The puck hit 'Frippe' and went in,' says Persson.
After a goalless overtime, Jacob Peterson scored the winner for Frölunda in the shootout. Blomgren, who felt strong on penalties, was annoyed: 'That penalty I let in, I'd seen before.' Despite the loss, he praised the team's effort: 'We never give up. We show we belong in the top tier.' In the final period, Redhawks were better, and the point is seen as a strength signal for the surprisingly strong team.
