The seventh and decisive quarter-final between Frölunda and Leksand was goalless after the first period.
After two periods played, the match was still tied – but by then both teams had scored a goal each.
Jere Innala scored 1–0 in the power play, when Leksand’s Carter Ashton was sent off for tripping.
But the lead did not last long. Lukas Vejdemo pushed in the equalizer from close range after the puck bounced through the rim and into the front of the goal.
Close to deciding
With just over six minutes left in regular time, Erik Thorell was able to score 2-1 to the home team after a sharp solo performance.
Much then spoke for a Frölunda victory, but the goal did not sink Leksand. Three minutes later, Olle Alsing sent in 2-2 after a nice preparatory work by Oskar Lang.
Frölunda was a crossbar hit away from deciding in the final seconds, but the match went on to overtime.
Dropped his old team
Once there, Frölunda drew the longest straw through a decision by Mikael Ruohomaa, who played in Leksand between 2021-2023.
– Fantastic. It feels unreal. I am very happy but it is also a relief. Our team was not ready to take a vacation yet, says Ruohomaa to SVT Sport and continues:
– I have to admit that it was very emotional. I met many of my best friends, who will always be my friends. They were so good in this series.
For Frölunda, the semi-final against Skellefteå now awaits, where the first match will be played on Saturday.
– Great that we could end up on the right side. It’s really cool, says Max Friberg.
At the same time, the season is over for Leksand.
– Of course it stings. We have gone out. But at the same time, we are very proud of what we achieved this year. Next year we will just go further, says Anton Johansson.
