We'll start with the statistics.
Luleå had six consecutive SM gold medals and 24 consecutive playoff wins before the meeting with Frölunda. Yet, it ended 0–3 in matches in the final.
It's clearly tough. I think we had the upper hand in all three matches, says Sara Grahn.
But if you don't score goals or concede cheap goals, you won't win.
Luleå also had the advantage of starting at home in the first two matches. But not even that helped.
Frölunda won the first match after overtime, where Sara Grahn also got injured, and the second despite Luleå's dominance.
In match three, the series moved to Scandinavium, where a record audience of nearly 8,500 spectators saw Frölunda continue their winning streak – despite Sara Grahn being back between the posts.
It was a few tough days, it wasn't fun to have to stand outside. It was unclear until the match start whether I would be able to participate or not, she says.
She notes that especially Frölunda's 2–1 goal was "snöpligt". But she is simultaneously not surprised that the Gothenburg club manages to break Luleå's championship streak.
No, no. It's been tough against them all season. So I'm absolutely not shocked, they've had a fantastic season, says Sara Grahn.
It didn't quite work out for us all the way. But it's just to keep fighting and come back.
