Perfect start for the reigning SHL champion

Luleå - Malmö 5-0

Luleå Hockey began their SHL title defense with a convincing 5–0 home victory over Malmö Redhawks in the season opener. Filip Eriksson led the way with a brilliant hat trick and an assist, while Markus Nurmi and Jakob Ihs Wozniak also scored. Brian O’Neill added two helpers as Luleå’s offense struck early, building a 2–0 lead within the first two minutes. Goaltender Matteus Ward (picture) was flawless between the pipes, turning aside all 21 shots for a shutout. Malmö never managed to find their rhythm and were outclassed throughout the game in front of 6,150 fans at COOP Norrbotten Arena.

Frölunda - Linköping 2-1

Frölunda lived up to their status as title contenders with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Linköping in front of 12,044 fans at Scandinavium. Jacob Peterson opened the scoring early in the first period, but Fredrik Karlström equalized on the power play just after the intermission. The game remained tight and physical, with both goaltenders making key saves to keep their teams in it. In the third period, Arttu Ruotsalainen became the hero for Frölunda, netting the decisive power-play goal. Despite a strong push from a determined Linköping side, Lars Johansson’s steady performance in goal secured the win for the home team.

Djurgården - Skellefteå 5-4

Djurgården celebrated their awaited SHL return with a thrilling 5–4 victory over Skellefteå at Johanneshovs isstadion. Joey Laleggia opened the scoring on the power play, but Skellefteå quickly replied and later took the lead through Jonathan Pudas. The home crowd erupted in the second and third periods as August Berg, Jesse Ylönen, and Jesper Pettersson turned the game in Djurgården’s favor. Mathias Emilio Pettersen added an empty-net goal to make it 5–2, but Skellefteå struck twice in the final minutes to create a dramatic finish. Despite the late scare, Magnus Hellberg stood tall in goal and secured a winning comeback to the top division for Djurgården.

Brynäs - Växjö 4-7

Brynäs endured a tough SHL opener as they fell 7–4 at home to Växjö in Monitor ERP Arena. Returning star Nicklas Bäckström made his much-anticipated debut, but it was Johan Larsson who led the way offensively with two goals. The game swung back and forth, yet Växjö pulled ahead decisively in the third period. Dylan McLaughlin and Félix Robert were key contributors for the visitors, while Reid Gardiner sealed the win with a late empty-netter. In front of 7,909 fans, Brynäs showed promise in attack but ultimately came up short.

Leksand - Timrå 3-2

Leksand opened their SHL campaign with a narrow 3-2 home win against Timrå at Tegera Arena. Oskar Lang struck early before Linus Nässén equalized for the visitors in the first period. In the middle frame, Max Véronneau’s shorthanded effort and Anton Johansson’s goal gave Leksand a 3-1 cushion. Timrå pulled one back on the power play through Sebastian Hartmann late in the second, but could not find an equalizer. Goaltender Marcus Gidlöf was strong in net for Leksand, stopping 27 of 29 shots in front of 7,650 fans.

HV71 - Örebro 3-4

Örebro opened their season with a thrilling 4-3 road win against HV71 at Husqvarna Garden. Patrik Karlkvist scored twice on the power play and added two assists in a standout performance. HV71 battled back with goals from Joona Luoto, Nikola Pasic, and Jonathan Ang, tying the game late in the third. Just 48 seconds later, Patrik Puistola netted the game-winner for Örebro to silence the home crowd. Goaltender Jonas Arntzen made 21 saves, helping Örebro secure an important early-season victory.

Färjestad - Rögle 2-3 OT

Rögle earned a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory on the road against Färjestad in Löfbergs Arena. Lukas Ekeståhl-Jonsson opened the scoring on the power play before Axel Bergkvist tied it late in the second period. Anton Bengtsson restored Rögle’s lead in the third, but Per Åslund equalized with under three minutes to play. In overtime, Daniel Zaar struck on the power play to seal the win for the visitors. Goaltender Arvid Holm was outstanding, stopping 24 of 26 shots to backstop Rögle’s first win of the season.

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