Örebro Hockey defeated Djurgården 4–1 to claim their third straight victory, the first such streak since November. Patrik Karlkvist scored the game-winning goal in power play after deciding to stay on the ice. The team now trails HV71 by four points with four games remaining.
Örebro Hockey has found its form with three straight wins, earning eight points out of nine possible. The latest victory came against Djurgården in a game where Djurgården led 1–0 after the first period. Örebro turned it around to win 4–1, with Patrik Karlkvist scoring the decisive goal.
Karlkvist followed the coach's directive to stay on the ice for the entire power play if he felt fresh. “I felt fresh when the others changed, so I didn’t even look towards the bench but thought: ‘I want to stay on, I’m up for it’,” he says.
Assistant coach Marcus Weinstock highlights the team's efficiency: “We not only play right and well, we get paid for it too.” Weinstock has recently handed over back coaching to Calle Gunnarsson and now focuses on forwards.
Gunnarsson, with experience from higher levels in the hockey world, leads with authority without shouting. He recently calmly instructed the players about shortcomings in Wednesday’s training. Örebro Hockey also has a new assistant sports director lined up, assuming the contract is secured—a name deemed positive.
Four points behind HV71 with four games left, hopes remain for a strong season finish.