Djurgården turned 1-4 to 5-4 in the "Battle of Stockholm" and went up to 2-0 in matches in the Hockey Allsvenskan final.
Now Djurgården is halfway to SHL.
Marcus Krüger scored from close range after 10.25 of overtime and Hovet – with only Djurgården fans – erupted in euphoria.
The feeling?
Of course, it's nice. We had worked for it, says Krüger when he comes to the mixed zone, where players meet the media, about half an hour after the decision.
"Had to talk it over"
Djurgården was down 1-3 after two periods when injured Norwegian star Patrick Thoresen, 41 years old, instilled courage and confidence in his team.
That AIK made it 4-1 on a power play through two-goal shooter Scott Pooley after 14 seconds of the third period played no role.
We had to talk it over before the third, then it's clearly a tough start. But then we do what we agree on and it's no secrets. We start skating more and putting pressure on them, says Krüger.
He appreciates the pep talk from Thoresen. The Norwegian veteran seems to play an equally important role off the ice as on.
He was in and talked, he's done that throughout the playoffs when he hasn't played. It's nice to have him up there, says Krüger.
"Clearly, it's nice"
It's the fourth time Djurgården plays overtime in the playoffs – it has been a win every time.
Clearly, it's nice. If you're going to go all the way, you have to be able to win matches like that too. It's been good for us so far.
In two periods, AIK was the hotter and more initiative-rich team.
But at 1-4, everything changed.
Now, two straight matches with AIK as the home team – and only black and yellow supporters – await, so even though Djurgården is halfway to the goal, Krüger doesn't take anything for granted.
The double Stanley Cup champion with Chicago on Djurgården's situation right now:
Sunday, then it's 0-0 and we have to find a way. They play at home, we'll need to make a better match than we did today.
Final 1: Djurgården–AIK 4–2.
Final 2: Djurgården–AIK 5–4 e ot.
Final 3, April 20: AIK–Djurgården (18.00).
Final 4, April 22: AIK–Djurgården (19.00).
Ev final 5, April 25: Djurgården–AIK (19.00).
Ev final 6, April 27: AIK–Djurgården (18.00).
Ev final 7, April 30: Djurgården–AIK (19.00).
