With Modo leading 3-2 in their HockeyAllsvenskan quarterfinal series against AIK, tensions rose before Game 6 at Hovet as AIK mocked Modo's divers with Harpo's 'Moviestar' and fan chants of 'filmare.' Lineup tweaks addressed suspensions and injuries for both sides.
In the best-of-seven HockeyAllsvenskan quarterfinal series, Modo holds a 3-2 edge over AIK heading into Game 6 at Hovet in Stockholm—a win would send Modo to the semifinals and eliminate AIK. Tensions peaked as AIK played Harpo's 'Moviestar' when Modo skaters entered the ice last, referencing penalties for diving against two Modo players. AIK fans amplified the rivalry with chants of 'filmare' (Swedish for 'filming' or diving).
Modo forward Alex Swetlikoff, returning to the lineup in place of suspended Emil Larsson (four-game ban for a hit causing AIK's Sid Boije a concussion), stressed discipline after morning skate: 'Självklart har vi pratat om det' (Of course we've talked about it). He emphasized playing five-on-five, where Modo excels, and controlling emotions: 'Man måste kontrollera sina känslor lite bättre, och tänka på hur man använder klubban.' Swetlikoff (19 points in 45 regular-season games, 0 in playoffs) joins Elton Hermansson and Kyle Topping, with Carl Mattsson as 13th forward.
AIK goalie Jonas Gunnarsson starts his third straight after a 93% save rate in the prior two wins, chosen via team discussion per goalie coach Alexander Hamberg, who called him a 'jävla vinnarskalle' (damn winner). Victor Brattström had 87% in earlier starts. AIK scratches injured Boije, shifting Oscar Nord to the fourth line with Rasmus Rudslätt and John Dahlström, while promoting Christopher Bengtsson to third with Daniel Muzito-Bagenda and Borna Kopac.
Modo rests Adam Werner (87% save rate) for Jakob Hellsten (92.6% in four regular-season games).
