Record points in the basic series and lead with 1-0 in matches in the final series against Luleå.
HV71 impressed most of all last season when the corona pandemic suddenly interrupted the season.
Just hours before the drop came the news.
- We were on our way down to Jönköping to comment when we received the message, and had to turn around in Mjölby.
HV71 was probably only hours from winning the Swedish Championship gold then, says Chris Härenstam.
"Not created security"
A year later, it does not look as bright for HV71.
From 99 points in the basic series last year to 73 points this year and a third place.
- It is not 100 percent harmonious in HV71 this season.
HV was just a match in from winning the Swedish Championship gold last year and I think HV has it with them this season.
Injuries - a lead-heavy loss in Hanna Olsson (cruciate ligament injury) - and new line-ups all the time have not created security.
Several key players do not deliver, says Härenstam.
In the quarter-final series in the best of three matches, Modo is waiting.
Riviga Modo.
- Modo can actually knock out HV71.
Modo is so hard to meet, the best grade you can get as a team.
They lack the same tip as HV but all players in Modo play their role really well.
"Damn temperament"
Härenstam highlights a player who personifies Modo.
- Lina Ljungblomi Modo has found the form at the end.
A great talent for several years.
Now she takes better care of herself outside the rink with diet and, above all, physique.
She looks stronger, lighter and smoother.
A goal scorer with a damn temperament and a winner's skull.
The quarter-final series is played in the best of three matches.
The lower ranked team (determined by table position) starts at home.