Rögle BK came from behind for a crucial 2-1 road victory against Färjestad BK in Karlstad during game four of the SHL quarterfinals, trimming the series deficit to 3-1. Linus Sandin netted the power-play winner in the third period, goaltender Arvid Holm stood tall, and the team celebrated with superstitious pizza echoing coach Dan Tangnes' past success.
Rögle BK defeated Färjestad BK 2-1 in game four of their SHL quarterfinal series on Monday evening in Karlstad. Färjestad entered with a 3-0 series lead and a chance to clinch on home ice, despite recent history as 2022 SM champions followed by three straight quarterfinal exits.
The game had tense moments early, including an injury scare when Rögle's Leon Bristedt was struck in the face by teammate Fredrik Olofsson's skate near the boards in the first period. Bristedt recovered quickly and continued, as Rögle dominated the opening frame before Färjestad equalized to tie it 1-1 after 40 minutes.
In the second period, goaltender Arvid Holm was outstanding, facing multiple Färjestad power plays including a two-minute 5-on-3. 'It was a bit sweaty in the second period, but it was fun. I got a good flow and we were against the ropes so it felt good,' Holm told TV4 Play.
Linus Sandin then scored the decisive goal with just over eight minutes left in the third period on a power play, securing the win and forcing a pivotal game five in Ängelholm on Wednesday.
Post-game, Rögle celebrated with pizza—a superstitious ritual from coach Dan Tangnes' time with EV Zug in Switzerland. In 2022, Zug rallied from 0-3 down to win the championship after daily pizza started by Anton Lander. Tangnes embraced it: 'Grabbarna höll det hemligt då. Men nu får dom äta hur mycket pizza dom vill så länge dom fortsätter vinna hockeymatcher.' He tempered expectations: 'Vi drar inte för stora växlar nu annat än att vi fick den vi behövde. Det som är bra för oss är att spela med vetskapen av att vi har inget att förlora.'
