Modo Hockey secured a 5-1 victory over AIK in game two of their HockeyAllsvenskan quarterfinal series, leading 2-0 overall. Tyler Kelleher scored twice in the win, continuing his strong form. AIK showed improvement in the second period but now faces pressure heading to home ice for game three.
In the second quarterfinal matchup played in Örnsköldsvik, Modo asserted dominance early, outpacing a sloppy AIK in the first period. Måns Carlsson opened scoring at 1-0 after AIK lost board battles, followed by Tyler Kelleher's 2-0 on a errant pass from Viggo Gustafsson. AIK responded in the second period with line adjustments, including Pooley–Ljungman–Blomstrand and Nord–Muzito-Bagenda–Rudslätt, leading to Oscar Nord's power-play goal making it 2-1. Simon Åkerström assisted on the tally. However, August Berg restored Modo's lead at 3-1, Emil Larsson added 4-1, and Kelleher sealed 5-1 with a long-range shot past Victor Brattström. Modo has now won six straight games against AIK this season, including the first quarterfinal decided in overtime. Analyst Andreas Hanson noted Modo's class but highlighted three factors favoring AIK: home advantage at Hovet for game three on Friday, AIK's strong second period, and Modo's history of inconsistency over three games. Kelleher, linemates with Gerry Fitzgerald and Carlsson, has been described as 'unstoppable' and 'scary to face' by Fitzgerald, who returned from injury. 'He is a playoff player. He wants to win,' Fitzgerald said. Meanwhile, AIK expanded Richard Gynge's role, with the former star now on the bench even for away games, contributing to shooting drills and as a resource. Head coach Johan Andersson praised Gynge's 'hockey sense' and detail-oriented approach.
