It could be just like two years ago. Then Skellefteå won the Swedish Championship after a 4–1 win over Rögle. Now Skellefteå, the regular-season winner in the SHL, leads 3–1 in games and can secure the championship title in their home arena on Saturday.
"Nothing is clear yet. But it's inspiring - something you've been looking forward to all season. The chance to decide on home soil, that's what you dream about," says Pär Lindholm.
Despite the massive home support in Ängelholm, it was Skellefteå who came out stronger in the first period of the fourth final match, and they were able to make it 1–0 just halfway through the period, scored by Emil Djuse. The lead was extended just seven minutes later through Viktor Grahn.
Rögle reduced the score to 1–2 in the 19th minute, Fredrik Olofsson scoring.
Secret goal recipe
The second period was scoreless. Rögle was awarded a penalty when Lubos Horky was slashed as he came free. But Linus Sandin shot straight at Skellefteå goalkeeper Strauss Mann.
Skellefteå continued to be first to the puck in the third period, and Pär Lindholm then made it 3–1.
"You have your secrets. I know why I scored today," says Lindholm without wanting to reveal his secret goal recipe.
Rögle made the match exciting again when Linus Sandin, on the power play, scored 2–3 with just over five minutes left in the match.
With 1.5 minutes left, Rögle goalkeeper Arvid Holm left the net in a last-ditch attempt to equalize, but without success.
"We didn't perform as well as last time. We need to keep the puck more within the team so we can change the tempo," says Rögle coach Dan Tangnes to TV4 Play.
"Sell ourselves dearly"
In the quarterfinals, Rögle managed to turn a 0–3 deficit into a 4–3 victory against Färjestad. Now the Ängelholm team is in the same situation again.
I think we have nothing more to lose. And when we have had our backs against the wall, we have been able to play at a high level earlier in the playoffs. It is important to love that challenge again. We will make sure to sell ourselves dearly in Skellefteå on Saturday, says Tangnes.
Skellefteå's Oscar Lindberg has been named the SHL's best forward and most valuable player. But a Swedish Championship gold medal would be even better:
"That is the ultimate goal. The other is fun, but secondary," he tells TV4 Play.
Match 1, 23/4: Skellefteå–Rögle 4–1.
Match 2, 25/4: Skellefteå–Rögle 5–1.
Match 3, 28/4: Rögle–Skellefteå 3–2 1st leg.
Match 4, 30/4: Rögle–Skellefteå 2–3.
Match 5, 2/5: Skellefteå–Rögle (15:15).
Possible match 6, 4/5: Rögle–Skellefteå (7:00 p.m.).
Possible match 7, 6/5: Skellefteå–Rögle (7:00 p.m.).
