Building on their 4-2 victory in Game 1, Björklöven defeated BIK Karlskoga 4-2 again in Game 2 of the HockeyAllsvenskan finals in Umeå, securing a 2-0 series lead. The win came despite a scary injury to BIK defender Rikard Olsén and a late push from Karlskoga. Former star Alexander Beliavski watched from the stands as Löven edged closer to SHL promotion.
Björklöven has now claimed two straight 4-2 victories in Umeå over BIK Karlskoga, putting them halfway to the SHL spot in this best-of-seven series. In Game 2, they improved discipline, limiting BIK to three power plays (down from seven in the opener) and taking no penalties in the third period. BIK goaltender Lars Volden made key stops, but Fredrik Forsberg's 3-1 goal proved decisive, per HockeyNews.se. Björklöven led 3-1 late, but BIK pulled within one before Lenni Killinen's empty-netter sealed it—his second goal of the night from the strong-performing fourth line.
Former Björklöven legend Alexander 'Sasja' Beliavski, 62, who promoted the team to the top league three times, attended the game and was honored with career highlights on the arena screen.
BIK defender Rikard Olsén suffered a frightening fall, slamming his head on the ice during a battle with Jacob Olofsson near the boards. He appeared dazed with possible whiplash and needed assistance off the ice, later diagnosed with a back injury. Officials noted Olsén stayed in the arena but did not return, as per TV4 commentators Lars Lindberg and Per Svartvadet.
The series now shifts to Karlskoga for Games 3 and beyond, where BIK hopes extra rest aids a comeback.
