Skellefteå AIK defeated Luleå 2-1 in game five of the SHL semifinals to reach the SM final, despite missing Jonathan Pudas and Pär Lindholm. Luleå forward Linus Omark announced his retirement after the loss. Pudas was named SHL's best defenseman for the third time.
Skellefteå AIK secured a place in the SHL SM final with a 2-1 victory over Luleå in the decisive fifth game of their semifinal series. The win came without key players Jonathan Pudas, this season's top defenseman, and center Pär Lindholm, who watched from the stands due to injury and other reasons. Strauss Mann made a crucial save to preserve the lead, while Skellefteå effectively shut down Luleå's attacks. Oscar Lindberg said, “It is exciting to see,” praising the team's depth and system that allows replacements to step in seamlessly. Trainer Daniel Hermansson added, “It speaks to the team; it is a machine. We always have people who can be plugged in.” TV4 expert Staffan Kronwall called it “impressive,” highlighting the organization's strength. The final opponent will be either Rögle or Växjö. Separately, Luleå's Linus Omark declared, “This was my last hockey game,” ending a career of 438 matches and 307 points, including one SM gold. He noted Skellefteå's deserved win and plans a long summer ahead. Jonathan Pudas, sidelined but honored as Årets back for the third time (previously 2022 and 2023), recorded a personal-best 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 48 regular-season games. He shared the defenseman goal-scoring title with David Quenneville and won the points race. Pudas said he is close to returning and hopes rival Björklöven promotes to SHL for future matchups.
