Skellefteå AIK overcame an early deficit to defeat Luleå Hockey 3-1 in game three of their SHL semifinal series, grabbing a commanding 3-0 lead. The reigning champions are one win away from the SM final, with Luleå facing elimination on Monday. The match featured intense physical play, including a hard hit on Skellefteå's Rickard Hugg.
Skellefteå AIK moved one victory from sweeping Luleå Hockey and advancing to their first SM final since 2024 (when they beat Rögle 4-1) after a 3-1 comeback win in game three at Luleå in northern Sweden.
Luleå took a 1-0 lead after the first period, but Lars Bryggman equalized with his fifth playoff goal, rifling the puck into the top corner. Pontus Johansson made it 2-1 late in the second period, and Emil Djuse extended the lead to 3-1 shortly after.
Physicality marked the game, highlighted by Luleå's Oskari Laaksonen delivering a hard hit on Skellefteå's Rickard Hugg, who suffered a nosebleed requiring tampons to stop the bleeding. Hugg downplayed the injury post-game: "The nose is fine now. It was just a bit of nosebleed and two tampons to stop the bleeding."
With six minutes remaining, Skellefteå's Pär Lindholm received a match penalty for a stick to an opponent's face, handing Luleå a five-minute power play. Skellefteå's defense and goaltender Mann Strauss stood firm. Hugg credited the team's resilience: "I think it will require even more on Monday."
Luleå forward Linus Omark acknowledged the dire situation and his uncertain future beyond the series: “I’m aware of that. Of course we’re disappointed to lose.” Teammate Erik Gustafsson noted their power play's lack of intensity.
Luleå must win game four on Monday to stay alive, while in the other semifinal, Rögle leads Växjö 2-0 ahead of game three on Sunday.
