Djurgården has shifted up considerably recently.
With the new coach Joakim Fagervall, they have increasingly tapped into the team above in the table and before the away match against Skellefteå, they had three straight victories.
Series leader Skellefteå came in turn with two straight losses in the back.
On the other hand, they had got back Olympic hill Jonathan Pudas, the best scorer of all slopes in the SHL.
It was noticeable.
The playful 29-year-old was behind Skellefteå's lead goal in the second period when he played Linus Karlsson who directly pushed the puck into the net.
- He (Pudas) means an incredible amount and is incredibly skilled, says Karlsson in C More.
- It's a great workout by "Pudding".
I kind of get an open goal, it's just a shot, he continues.
Two costly interventions
Djurgården chased a draw but went for a cold shower early in the third period.
Linus Lindström checked Paul Carey intensively, won the puck near goal and was able to lift a backhand for 2-0.
It got worse a few minutes later when Marc-André Gragnani hit a bad pass that Jonathan Johnson broke to later play Albin Sundsvik who shot in the final result 3-0.
- We put ourselves in a tough situation in those situations.
Then we have to manage our own positions but it will not be easier because we offer it, says Djurgården's coach Joakim Fagervall in C More.