Örebro Hockey turned around a first-period deficit to dominate Djurgården 4-1 in a crucial SHL bottom-of-the-table clash at Behrn Arena. Djurgården suffered from injuries and absences, including an early exit for key defenseman Gustav Lindström. The win moves Örebro five points from the playoffs while keeping Djurgården in relegation peril.
Djurgården started strongly, taking a 1-0 lead through Joe Snively's third goal in as many games, assisted by Colby Sissons, midway through the first period. However, the visitors were hampered by multiple absences: centers Marcus Krüger, Jacob Josefson, and Arvid Costmar were sidelined by injuries, while defenseman Philip Holm stayed in Stockholm awaiting the birth of his child. Goaltender Daniel Marmenlind made his start in place of the rested Magnus Hellberg.
Disaster struck early for Djurgården when Gustav Lindström, who averages nearly 20 minutes per game, left the ice in pain after a heavy check from Örebro captain Glenn Gustafsson in his first shift—no penalty was called. This forced Valtteri Pulli into action and stretched the remaining defensemen.
Örebro regrouped after the first period, where Djurgården held a slight edge in shots (7-6). In the second period, the hosts overwhelmed their opponents, outshooting them 15-2 and scoring twice: Noah Steen tied it at 1-1, followed by Patrik Karlkvist's power-play goal to make it 2-1. Djurgården coach Robert Kimby called it a disappointment, saying, “Örebro slår oss ganska klart i andra och tredje,” noting his team's struggles in battles and momentum shifts.
The third period sealed the victory for Örebro, with Luke Martin extending the lead to 3-1 and Karlkvist adding his second for 4-1. Örebro assistant coach Marcus Weinstock praised his team's forecheck and zone control, stating, “Vi lyfter oss rejält och får riktigt bra betalt.” Karlkvist echoed the sentiment post-game: “Spelar vi så här kommer det räcka ganska långt.”
Player ratings highlighted strong showings from Djurgården's Viggo Björck (8/10) and Snively (7/10), but overall, the team faltered. Marmenlind saved 24 of 28 shots. With four games left in the regular season, Örebro gains vital breathing room in the relegation fight, now five points above the drop zone and within reach of playoffs.
