Djurgården secured a 3-1 victory over Frölunda in Göteborg, breaking the hosts' winning streak and extending their own run to three consecutive wins ahead of the SHL playoffs. The win positions Djurgården to finish ninth and host the start of the quarterfinals. Young forward Viggo Björck shone on his 18th birthday, contributing a goal and an assist.
Djurgården rebounded from three recent losses, including two heavy defeats to Frölunda at home in Stockholm, to claim a 3-1 win in Göteborg's Scandinavium arena. The match, played on Thursday, saw Djurgården take a 1-0 lead into the second intermission before adding a power-play goal for a 2-0 advantage. Coach Robert Kimby described the result as a positive step, noting, "It is clear that we think it is a good win for us. We have had difficulties in matches against Frölunda before. I do not think it is the match with the highest tempo this year. We get goals at the right moments for our part." He emphasized the tightness of the game and the value of building momentum heading into the postseason.
Eighteen-year-old Viggo Björck delivered an outstanding performance on his birthday, logging 19:34 of ice time, scoring the opener, assisting on the power-play goal by David Blomgren, blocking shots, winning puck battles, and drawing penalties. Representatives from 22 of 32 NHL clubs were in attendance ahead of the summer draft. Kimby praised Björck's growth, saying, "Viggo has been one of our best players since after Christmas. It is impressive to see the way he develops all the time and dares to play against the opponents' best players." The second power-play unit, featuring Björck, Colby Sissons, Anton Frondell, Victor Eklund, and Blomgren, stepped up after the first unit's recent successes against Växjö and Luleå.
Linus Klasen returned as an extra forward, playing his first minutes since February 21 following a long-term injury that sidelined him since early fall. Kimby confirmed it was planned to include experienced players on the road trip. With the win, Djurgården will end the regular season ninth in the SHL, beginning their quarterfinal series at home on Tuesday evening. Kimby added, "Now we know that we will start at home at least. Then who we get, we have no idea."
In the third period, Frölunda's Henrik Tömmernes slashed Charles Hudon with ten minutes remaining, leaving the Djurgården forward grimacing on the bench. Hudon, who missed six weeks from January 10 to February 26, played a few shifts afterward but stayed sidelined for the final goal, a strategic decision by the team. Kimby noted, "He got a slash. He could play, so it was no problem. But we chose to be a bit smart when we get to make our 3-1 goal too."
Meanwhile, injured players Marcus Krüger and Gustav Lindström trained on ice in Stockholm for the first time in at least a week, joined by Albin Grewe, Jacob Josefson, and Oula Palve.
