Leksand and HV71 are set to compete in a playoff qualifier for the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) starting on March 18. The qualifier will determine which team remains in the SHL and which is relegated to Hockeyallsvenskan. Leksand reportedly finished last in the SHL this season, but was one of the league's strongest teams toward the end of the season, according to their coach Johan Hedberg.
Hedberg stated that Leksand has no pressure and will play relaxed, while HV71 has home-ice advantage. The qualifier schedule includes matches on March 18, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, and 31, with potential games if needed. Leksand was missing players Rocky Langvardt, Jon Knuts, Arvid Eljas, Tinus Luc Koblar, and Dennis Altörn in a recent training session, but their availability for the qualifier is unclear.
Leksand has no pressure and will play relaxed
Jönköpings-Posten and Falu-Kuriren are collaborating to cover the qualifier extensively, with reporters from both newspapers providing updates, interviews, and analysis.