In Luleå, Sweden, on Sunday, Luleå Hockey defeated Frölunda in a marathon match that lasted 117 minutes, one of the longest in SHL history. The victory gives Luleå a 3-1 lead in the quarterfinal series. Finnish defensemen Otto Leskinen and Oskari Laaksonen each played over 49 minutes, the most of any players, reportedly stepping up due to injuries to top defensemen Jesper Sellgren and Frédéric Allard.
Leskinen expressed happiness about his return from a serious injury. Meanwhile, Frölunda forward Noah Hasa suffered an injury during the match. According to reports, Hasa was hit by Luleå's Pontus Andreasson in the fourth period and had difficulty standing, with TV4 commentator Björn Oldéen noting he would not return to the game.
Hasa's season appears to be over.
The next day, Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson stated that Hasa's season is likely over, with a suspected fracture keeping him in Luleå for treatment. Ohlsson described the injury as a significant setback, as Hasa is a key player. Talented player Max Westergård is reportedly stepping into the Frölunda lineup as a result.
Frölunda must win three consecutive games to advance to the semifinals.