After six straight victories, it was finally a loss last round for HV71, which went on a big knock against Brynäs by 2-7. And maybe it was Luleå who got to suck for it. For tonight, the series leaders were back in great form and won by 4-2.
HV71 started at a furious pace, and with fast counter-strikes, Luleå found it difficult to keep track of the series leaders who drew to 2-0 in the first period. But it could have been a bigger lead, but a magnificent Sara Grahn kept Luleå in the match.
In the second period there was a total stage change. Then it was instead Luleå for the whole slant. But despite 15-3 in the shot, the visitors failed to score a goal.
And Luleå probably wished they had scored more goals, especially when, after 14 seconds in the third period, HV71 put 3-1 after a counter where Hanna Olsson found a gap between the legs of Grahn.
However, Luleå did not give up there. The reigning champions pressed hard in the third period, and finally came the reward for the press as Jenni Hiirikoski sent 2-3 from the blue line with three minutes left. But closer than that, the guests did not come, but Alba Gonzalo held tight and HV71 was able to finally determine the final result 4-2 in an empty cage.