Södertälje secured a 3-1 victory over Modo on Saturday, marking a potential turning point with strong performances from their lineup. Goaltender Oliver Håkanson earned praise for crucial saves after returning as starter. The win provides momentum for Södertälje amid recent roster changes.
Södertälje hosted Modo in Scaniarinken for a Saturday HockeyAllsvenskan game, emerging with a 3-1 win that highlighted tactical adjustments and individual breakthroughs. Oliver Håkanson started in net for the first time since October 3, stepping in while backup Love Härenstam was with the junior national team. Håkanson made three key saves early: one on Linus Andersson's breakaway and two on Oscar Pettersson during Södertälje's power plays, setting a solid tone.
Hampus Harlestam then scored his first goal of the season shortly after, giving Södertälje a 1-0 lead and boosting team energy. Håkanson followed with another strong stop during Modo's power play, leading to a counterattack where new signing Filip Engarås netted the 2-0 goal. Modo responded with Gerry Fitzgerald's first goal of the season to make it 2-1, but Södertälje held firm, shutting down chances in the third period for the final 3-1 score.
Roster tweaks played a role, including sending out three players and integrating newcomers like William Eriksson, who joined Harlestam and William Wiå on the third line. The first line featured Carter Ashton with Måns Lindbäck and Patrik Zackrisson, while Sebastian Dyk centered Viktor Liljegren and Engarås. Defensemen Roope Laavainen and Niklas Arell returned to the lineup.
TV4 expert Johan Tornberg commended Håkanson: "Stora räddningar i den första och andra perioden. Det saknades inte lägen för Modo." Håkanson reflected post-game: "Klart det är skönt att få göra nån vass räddning. Vi gör det riktigt starkt i sista perioden, vi stänger ner dem." On his bench time, he added: "Nånstans har jag fått bita ihop och träna på, och vara jäkligt förberedd när chansen kommer."
The result ends Modo's three-game losing streak, during which they scored just three goals total. Modo missed key defensemen Sverre Rönningen, Viktor Persson, and Jacob Bengtsson, contributing to defensive vulnerabilities. For Södertälje, the win signals resilience without needing coaching changes, setting up a chance to snap their streak of no consecutive victories against Nybro on Wednesday.