After a successful start, where Oskarshamn got to taste what it is like to top the SHL table, things have gone heavier. A series of losses, of which a real bottom button away to Färjestad at the latest - with that backpack, the newcomer took on the reigning Swedish champion team Frölunda on home corn.
The match introduction possibly gave the home fans unpleasant vibes from Karlstad. Joel Lundqvist gave Frölunda the lead, the captain's first SHL goal in the fall, after 2.34 and a while later the Gothenburgers had a puck in the goal. Was Oskarshamn heading for a new race?
Missed penalty
But the home team worked their way into the match. In the first period, three powerplay was played and shortly after the first break, the team's point king Tyler Kelleher missed a penalty. Frölund coach Roger Rönnberg saw that his team was bad looking and took time out before half the match was played. Rönnberg's tactical moves were followed by Simon Hjalmarsson extending the team's lead to 2-0.
Suddenly the road to points felt infinitely longer for the home team. The team struggled on and they created their chances, but Frölunda's last outpost Niklas Rubin looked dense.
But then came a Frölundamiststag, which Oskarshamn's Filip Sveningsson took advantage of. The 1-2 reduction came with only 13 seconds left of the second period.
Lasch closed the game
Just over five minutes into the third period, Ryan Lasch drew in Frölunda's third hit this evening, a goal that closed the game. The atmosphere on the ice became increasingly murky and Oskarshamn's Nichlas Hardt was awarded a match penalty.
The victory meant that this spring's SM winner secured his second place in the table with leading Rögle within easy reach.