Reigning SHL champions Luleå Hockey won the first quarterfinal game 3-2 against Frölunda HC at Scandinavium, clinched by Anton Levtchi's power-play goal in sudden-death overtime. The match featured controversial late penalties and strong performances from both sides, with Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson voicing frustration over officiating.
Luleå showed championship form in their SM-slutspelet quarterfinal opener at Frölunda's home rink Scandinavium. They took a 1-0 lead early when Linus Omark assisted Eetu Koivistoinen's backhand shot, deflected off Frölunda defenseman Linus Högberg. Frölunda equalized on a power play in the first period, Filip Cederqvist tipping Max Lindholm's shot past Luleå goaltender Joel Mattsson Ward for 1-1. Arttu Ruotsalainen created chances, but Ward stood tall initially.
Luleå dominated the second period, regaining the lead at 2-1 via Isac Hedqvist's aggressive goal after hitting Henrik Tömmernes. Hedqvist told TV4: “Jag fick väl nån crosschecking innan så jag var väl lite förbannad. Det var en skön tackling att få in.” Pontus Själin blocked seven shots for Luleå.
Frölunda tied it 2-2 early in the third when 18-year-old prodigy Ivar Stenberg assisted Noah Dower Nilsson, who outskated Erik Gustafsson. Nilsson praised Stenberg to SVT Sport: 'He’s a very skilled player, I think we see the ice a bit the same way.' Luleå coach Thomas “Bulan” Berglund called a timeout amid pressure.
Overtime brought controversy: Frölunda felt Anton Levtchi tripped Cederqvist without a call, but Tom Nilsson was penalized for tripping Brian O’Neill, handing Luleå a power play. Levtchi scored the winner, celebrating with Cederqvist's 'moose' gesture to rile the crowd. Ward made 28 saves, with eight Luleå players blocking shots.
Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson vented to TV4: “Jag är förbannad. Jag gillar inte att förlora,” calling the Levtchi non-call deserving of a power play and the Nilsson penalty 'a very, very, very, very thin call.' Nilsson noted: 'It’s small margins' and 'It’s sour that we lost.' Luleå's Mathias Bromé emphasized: 'Of course it’s important... you need to steal a game to gain an advantage.' Game two is scheduled for Gothenburg on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
