Djurgården snapped an eight-game away losing streak with a 3-2 shootout victory over Skellefteå on Sunday. Goaltender Magnus Hellberg delivered a season-best performance, making 46 saves including all three shootout attempts. Jesse Ylönen scored the decisive penalty shot after a 2-2 tie through overtime.
In a tightly contested SHL matchup at the sold-out Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Djurgården secured their first road win in two months, dating back to an October 28 victory over Växjö. The game remained scoreless until the fifth minute of the first period, when Charles Hudon converted a power-play opportunity for a 1-0 lead, snapping Djurgården's scoring drought from their previous loss.
Hugo Blixt, stepping in for the injured Oliver Kylington, extended the advantage to 2-0 early in the second period with his first SHL goal, assisted by Gustav Lindström and Jesse Ylönen. Skellefteå responded swiftly, as Pontus Johansson cut the deficit to 2-1 just a minute later. The third period saw Djurgården penalized multiple times, allowing Rickard Hugg to equalize on a power play.
Overtime solved nothing, leading to a shootout where Ylönen coolly beat Skellefteå's goaltender, while Hellberg denied attempts from Oscar Lindberg, Mikkel Aagaard, and Hugg. Hellberg, who faced 45 shots in regulation and overtime, stopped 43 for a 95.83% save percentage and set a personal SHL season high for saves in 60 minutes.
"Pudas has a really hard slapshot. He hit me up on the neck so it was hard to control it," Hellberg told TV4 post-game. "Incredibly fun match to play. They have good fans, great atmosphere in here." He praised his team's defensive effort: "I'm incredibly proud of the guys who battle in front of me today."
Blixt, who logged over 20 minutes, reflected on his milestone: "It's always fun to score and help the team. Today it was my turn to chip in a autumn leaf. Good screen and pass, so just thank and receive."
The win provides momentum for Djurgården after recent struggles, highlighting Hellberg's pivotal role against a strong Skellefteå side.
