Frölunda defeated Brynäs 3-0 in a SHL matchup at Scandinavium, extending their home winning streak to nine games. Ivar Stenberg broke a 43-year-old record with his assist on the opening goal, while Arttu Ruotsalainen scored twice. Brynäs coach Niklas Gällstedt called Frölunda Sweden's best team after the loss.
Frölunda continued their dominant home form with a 3-0 victory over Brynäs in the SHL on Saturday at Scandinavium. The win marked their ninth consecutive home triumph, with their last loss on home ice occurring on October 4 against Leksand. The match was played to benefit Drottning Silvias barnsjukhus, featuring special jerseys inspired by a drawing from seven-year-old Dawid, whose name echoed through the arena.
Brynäs started strongly, pressing Frölunda in the first 10 minutes, but the game shifted when Ivar Stenberg assisted Arttu Ruotsalainen's 1-0 goal just after Brynäs returned to full strength following a penalty. Stenberg, 18, became the youngest player to record points in 10 straight SHL games, surpassing a 43-year record set by Tomas Sandström in 1980. Theodor Niederbach extended the lead to 2-0, tying Max Lindholm for the team lead with 10 goals each. The trio of Stenberg, Niederbach, and Lindholm has combined for 63 points this season.
Ruotsalainen added his second goal early in the third period for the 3-0 final score. Brynäs struggled after the opener, with coach Niklas Gällstedt noting, "The second period we can erase, and the third wasn't very intense." He praised Frölunda as "Sweden's best team," adding, "We need a higher performance to challenge them." Frölunda's Robert Ohlsson offered a more measured view: "There are many good teams in Sweden."
For Brynäs, the loss snapped a three-game win streak, including a CHL victory. Nicklas Bäckström, reflecting post-game, said, "It's disappointing to lose again, but it wasn't a good effort from our side. Just forget it and move on." He credited Frölunda's skill and noted Brynäs' improved defensive compactness lately, despite the setback. Bäckström has 21 points (2 goals, 19 assists) in 26 games this season.
