Djurgården snapped a seven-game home losing streak with a 2-1 shootout victory over Färjestad at Hovet, thanks to strong goaltending from Magnus Hellberg and key contributions from young forwards. The win marked the team's third straight victory overall. Coach Robert Kimby praised the JVM returnees for their seamless integration.
Djurgården hosted Färjestad in a crucial SHL matchup, entering with momentum from back-to-back road wins against Malmö and Rögle but burdened by seven consecutive home defeats. The game remained tight, with Victor Eklund opening the scoring for Djurgården in regulation to make it 1-0. Färjestad equalized later, forcing overtime and eventually a shootout.
Magnus Hellberg was stellar in net, stopping 34 of 35 shots over 65 minutes and denying all three Färjestad attempts in the shootout for a 97% save percentage. Anton Frondell sealed the victory by scoring the lone goal in the shootout, while 17-year-old Viggo Björck delivered a standout performance, including a crucial defensive play to prevent an early Färjestad goal and strong work across all situations.
Post-game, Djurgården coach Robert Kimby lauded the young trio of JVM gold medalists—Eklund (19), Frondell (18), and Björck (17)—who have elevated the team's play since returning. "JVM-killar? Djurgården-spelare tänker jag," Kimby told Hockeynews, emphasizing their consistent contributions. "They have shown over the whole season that they are good at this level and that they are growing."
Färjestad coach Cam Abbott acknowledged his team's resilience despite the loss. "Both teams competed tonight... We created many good chances in the third period," he said, noting the positive aspects to carry forward.
The lineup featured the same forwards and defense as recent wins, with Joey LaLeggia leading Djurgården's points with 31 (11 goals, 20 assists) in 39 games. Injuries sidelined Oliver Kylington, Charles Hudon (recovering), Jacob Josefson (hand surgery), and Oula Palve for Djurgården, while Färjestad missed three centers and borrowed forward Åke Stakkestad.
This victory provides a boost as Djurgården sits ninth with 56 points, facing Linköping next before a league break.
