Veteran center, who after the match was named the most valuable player in the Hockeyallsvenskan playoffs, admitted that it was a pressure to take the team back to SHL. Djurgården was relegated from the top league in the spring of 2022 and has since failed in two consecutive Hockeyallsvenskan qualifying finals.
It was tough mentally. But I think we held together in a damn good way. It was a strong performance, says Krüger to TV4 Play and continues:
We've been chasing this for three years now. Third time's the charm, it feels so good.
Despite having won the Stanley Cup twice with the NHL team Chicago and taken World Championship gold with Tre Kronor, he ranks Friday's match highly – and praised Djurgården's supporters who stormed the ice after the final whistle at Hovet.
They've backed us regardless. It feels good to be able to give this to them. It's probably the coolest match I've played.
