Jonathan Pudas decided the monster game in overtime when he made it 3-2 early in the fifth period.
The fifth semi-final match between Skellefteå and Örebro was a rollercoaster ride. After two consecutive losses against AIK, Örebro needed to dig in and fight. And fight they did.
It took five periods to separate the teams, with Örebro nudging ahead twice and Skellefteå fighting back to equalise each time.
Finally, in the fifth period, Jonathan Pudas became a big match hero, scoring the winning goal that sparked jubilant scenes on the ice and in the packed arena. Skellefteå now lead the semi-final series 3-2.
– It's wonderful to play on our home ground; we have the crowd with us all the time. We've talked a lot about believing in ourselves. You play for the guy on the right and left. There is a nice feeling in the team now, said Oscar Möller, AIK's skipper after the match.
The Skellefteå crowd roar on their team.
The teams meet again on Tuesday in Örebro. With a win, Skellefteå will qualify for the final, against either Växjö or Frölunda.
MATCH FACTS
Skellefteå AIK – Örebro HK 3–2 (1–1, 1–1, 0–0, 0–0, 1–0)
The goals: 0–1 (04.56) Milton Oscarson (Öberg, Carlsson), 1–1 (10.14) Max Lindholm (Kühnhackl, Salomonsson), 1–2 (37.16) Robert Leino (Ekström, Näkyvä), four against three, 2 –2 (39.56) Linus Högberg (J. Lindström, Wingerli), five against four, 3–2 (80.40) Jonathan Pudas (Johnson, L. Lindström), five against four.
Shots: 53–30 (13–2, 8–8, 15–14, 15–6, 2–0).
Penalty minutes: 4–8 (0–0, 4–4, 0–0, 0–4, 0–0).
Attendance: 5,801