HV71 won the first match of the SHL relegation playoff against Leksand in Sweden. The playoff is a best-of-seven series to avoid relegation to HockeyAllsvenskan. HV71 forward Justin Kloos, who previously played four seasons for Leksand, reportedly said he is focused on the task and will not be friendly with his former team during the games.
According to reports, Kloos ended the regular season strongly with goals in recent matches. HV71 is in its third consecutive relegation playoff, while Leksand reportedly had a strong end to the season but suffered two recent losses. The match was described as tense, with HV71 reportedly having a better team on paper.