Skellefteå defeated Rögle 3–2 in the fourth SHL final game. The team now holds match point and can clinch the title at home on Saturday. Rögle needs to win three straight to force a decisive seventh game.
In Ängelholm's Catena Arena, Skellefteå took the lead in the fourth final game. Emil Djuse scored 1–0 midway through the first period, followed by Viktor Grahn's 2–1 seven minutes later. Rögle pulled one back through Fredrik Olofsson in the 19th minute.
The second period was goalless. Rögle was awarded a penalty after Lubos Horky was slashed, but Linus Sandin shot straight at goaltender Strauss Mann. In the third, Pär Lindholm made it 3–1 and was cryptic about his goal: “Man har sina hemligheter, jag vet varför jag gjorde mål i dag.”
Rögle closed to 2–3 via Sandin on a power play with over five minutes left. With 1.5 minutes remaining, goaltender Arvid Holm was pulled, but no equalizer came. Skellefteå now leads the series 3–1 after 4–1, 5–1 wins, Rögle's 3–2 in overtime, and 3–2.
Rögle coach Dan Tangnes said: “We didn't match our previous performance. We need to keep the puck within the team more.” He views the challenge positively: “We shall sell ourselves dearly in Skellefteå on Saturday.” Pär Lindholm on closing at home: “Inspirerande, något man längtat efter hela säsongen.” Next game is May 2 in Skellefteå.
