HV71 lost to Linköping 4-3 in a shootout in an SHL match at Husqvarna Garden in Jönköping. The match was described as crucial for both teams in the battle to avoid relegation qualifiers. HV71 took the lead three times during regulation time, with goals from Jonathan Ang, Hugo Pettersson, and Axel Rindell, but Linköping equalized each time through Johan Södergran, Nicholas Shore, and Zion Nybeck.
After a scoreless overtime, Nicholas Shore scored the decisive shootout goal for Linköping. HV71 coach Anton Blomqvist expressed frustration, stating the team needs to find better consistency. With four rounds remaining in the regular season, HV71 now trails safe ground by four points, while Linköping extended its margin over HV71 to six points.
the team needs more consistency
Other bottom competitors Örebro and Leksand also won their matches.
emphasized the need for a gritty approach