The third match in the play-off quarter-final between Skellefteå AIK and Linköping HC was another classic, and the third-longest match in the history of the play-offs.
The game saw AIK again compile an ostensibly comfortable 3-0 lead before somehow contriving to let their opponents back into the game. Despite a fierce battle in overtime, no goals were scored until Axel Sandin Pellikka netted the decisive goal for AIK in a sixth period powerplay, securing a 4-3 victory.
The match was marked by intense gameplay, with Linus Söderström making crucial saves for AIK, including a remarkable stop against Linus Hultström's close-range attempt. Pär Lindholm's injury added to the tension, while AIK's resilience and effective penalty kill ultimately secured their win.
The victory puts AIK in a commanding position in the series, with a 3-0 lead over Linköping. They now need just one more win to progess to the semi-finals.
But 3-0 leads have proved difficult to defend in this series, so nothing should be taken for granted.
FAKTA
Linköping–Skellefteå AIK 3–4 (0–1, 0–2, 3–0, 0–0, 0–0, 0–1)
Goals: 0–1 (18.40) Dylan Sikura (J. Johnson, Barkemo), 0–2 (29.39) Oskar Nilsson (P. Lindholm, Dzierkals), 0–3 (33.29) Jonathan Johnson (Lindberg, Sandin Pellikka) five against four, 1–3 (44.00) Oscar Fantenberg (Hultström, Little), 3–2 (48.35) Filip Bystedt (Greco), 3–3 (52.28) Vilmos Gallo, 3–4 (116.23) Axel Sandin Pellikka (Lindberg, J. Johnson) five against four.
Shots: 48–46 (4–11, 13–8, 10–7, 12–5, 4–7, 5–8).
Attendance: 8,190