Another win for Skellefteå

17 Apr 2012 | Fredrik Pålsson

Brynäs had a 3-0 lead in the final series but now Skellefteå is only one game behind after winning 3-2 on home ice.

Brynäs a bit surprisingly started with Johan Holmqvist in goal instead of Niklas Svedberg in goal. Holmqvist started the game well when Skellefteå took control of the game from start. But on Skellefteå's 12th shot already after 12 minutes Bud Holloway made it 1-0 on Skellefteå's third power play.

Anders Söderberg got a great chance for 2-0 early in the second period when he skated clear, but Holmqvist made on of many good saves. And when Skellefteå couldn't take more than 1-0 lead for their dominance Brynäs luckily tied the game when a shot by Ryan Gunderson bounced of Johan Larsson and Joacim Eriksson had no chance when the puck suddenly changed direction.

And less than three minutes later Brynäs took the lead. Calle Järnkrok stole the puck from John Klingberg behind the net and found Jakob Silfverberg in front of goal and Silfverberg scored for a 2-1 lead for the guests. Skellefteå continued to dominate the game but just as in the previous finals Skellefteå had very difficult to score on their chances. But with just over one minute left of the second period Tomas Skogs scored the important 2-2 goal, assisted by Bud Holloway who made his 24th point in the playoffs.

Skellefteå continued to dominate the game even if Brynäs also had som chances but at 13:33 in the last period the goal finally came for the home when Oscar Möller scored on a rebound from a shot by Petter Granberg. Brynäs made an effort for an equalizer but when Skellefteå had the chance for a counter attack on the open net Ryan Gunderson tripped a Skellefteå player and was sent to the penalty box. With a power play for Skellefteå it seemed like the chance was over. But Jimmie Ericsson gave Brynäs one last chance with a 2+2+10 penalty for a spearing attempt. Brynäs pulled the goalie again but failed to create any more chances and Skellefteå won 3-2.

Brynäs still leads the final series but now only with 3-2, after losing two games in a row. On Thursday they have a new chance to grab the title at home ice.