In an intense derby at Malmö Arena, the match between Malmö Redhawks and Rögle ended 4-1 in favor of the away team. Redhawks suffered a third straight loss after a weak first period in which Rögle scored three goals. Captain Fredrik Händemark noted that the team lost too many duels.
The derby match between Malmö Redhawks and Rögle BK took place on Thursday evening at Malmö Arena in Hyllie. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, tifo, and passionate fans, especially from Rögle who gathered outside the arena. Redhawks tried to start by playing hockey but made defensive errors that Rögle exploited effectively.
With ten seconds left in the first period, it was 0-3, and the game was practically decided. A goal from Redhawks evened the mood temporarily, but after Rögle's 1-3 goal, a fight broke out on the ice. Six players, three from each team, were sent to the penalty box simultaneously.
The final score was 4-1 to Rögle, who have now won three derbies this season after Redhawks took all last year. With the third straight loss, the gap to the playoff spot narrows – now just five points to seventh-placed Brynäs. Captain Fredrik Händemark said: 'We get beaten in one-on-one duels and in skating on almost all the goals. Then it's hard to win.'
The rivalry between the teams dates back to the 1960s. In the 1965 DM final, Malmö (then MFF) won their tenth straight title against Rögle, but the match ended in chaos with a brawl and six police on the ice. In 1967, Rögle took revenge with 1,350 spectators in the stands. The history enhances the derby's special feel, even though the teams have been separated for periods.
Despite the loss, Redhawks hope for more derbies in the playoffs, which elevate the level of play. According to the National Encyclopedia, a derby is a competition between teams from the same or nearby locations – in Skåne, at least ten miles away suffices.
