Skellefteå and Luleå will meet in their first semifinal match in the SHL playoffs on Tuesday evening. The game is part of a long and tough series between the rivals, with Piteå described as a divided city between them. According to reports, Skellefteå is considered the better team and has the advantage of starting at home, but Luleå has shown strength in winning games as the underdog throughout the playoffs.
The match is expected to be close, with two good goaltenders on each side, making a high-scoring game unlikely. In another playoff match, Modo faces BIK Karlskoga in a tense situation, with Modo in a must-win position after Karlskoga won a close game last time.