Brynas Takes 2-0 Lead in SHL Semi-Final Series with 4-3 Win Over Skelleftea

Brynas holds off Skelleftea's comeback to take a 2-0 series lead in the SHL semi-final, with Linus Olund scorig a crucial hattrick in their 4-3 win.

Brynas are just two wins away from securing a spot in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) Playoff Final after holding off Skelleftea 4-3 in game two of their Semi-Final series. 

The newly-promoted side had a strong start to the series, winning 4-1 at Monitor ERP Arena on Friday, and were determined to make home advantage count again before the series shifts to Skelleftea for games three and four. A fourth consecutive win seemed likely after the first period, as Brynas took a commanding 3-0 lead.

Linus Olund's scrappy shot in the 10th minute proved to be the spark that ignited Brynas' dominant performance. “The Skelleftea defence somehow failed to claw away” Olund's shot, allowing Brynas to take the lead. 

Greg Scott quickly added a second goal, deflecting the puck past the Skelleftea goaltender just a minute later. Excellent work from Tyler Vesel and Michal Svrcek then set up Olund for his second goal, and Brynas' third, in an impressive two minutes and nine seconds of play. Despite Jakob Silfverberg's chance to make it 4-0 in the first period, his penalty shot was saved by Gustaf Lindvall, leaving the door open for Skelleftea to mount a comeback.

Skelleftea, who finished fifth in the regular season, mounted a strong comeback in the second period. Oscar Lindberg capitalized on a powerplay opportunity, scoring a well-placed goal shortly after the midway point, rewarding Skelleftea's dominant play. Anton Heikkinen added to the scoreboard four minutes later, finding the top corner with a precise shot during another powerplay, narrowing the deficit to one goal.

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Seger i semifinal 2:7!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ibQ9RKrBDc

— Brynäs IF (@Brynas) April 6, 2025

Despite their efforts, Skelleftea's momentum was briefly disrupted when Brynas missed a penalty shot late in the second period, with Victor Soderstrom unable to find the target. However, the home team's fortunes changed in the third period, and they eventually sealed the win in the 18th minute. 

Linus Olund, who had been sent through on goal, held his nerve to beat Gustaf Lindvall and complete his hattrick, securing the victory for Brynas. Heikkinen scored his second goal in the final minute, but the 4-3 win and 2-0 series lead belonged to Brynas. The series will now head to Skelleftea for game three on Tuesday evening.