Semi-finals
The Swedish Elite League semis are here and the best teams have made it. But now, we will see if playoff hockey separates the men from the boys.
The top four ranked teams are here: Frölunda Indians, Linköping, HV-71, and Färjestad. No surprises really, they all played well all season long. Now we will see if a hot goaltender emerges or if some player rises to seize the day. So far there are a few candidates. From Linköping comes Fredrik Norrena who has played very well. He was helped by the pipes last time against Frölunda but he is always in position and is disciplined. He played for Finland in the Olympics this year though not in the final against Sweden. Canadian Shane Willis (who played with the Hurricanes and with the Lightning) is having a very good post season. He maybe taking a few too many penalties but he looks like his legs are fresh and he is playing with grit.
Frölunda needs their stars to step up and score some goals. The second and third lines also need to be better. Magnus Kahnberg, who is going to play in St. Louis, has been playing poorly, he needs to get it together for Frölunda to win.
HV-71 and Färjestad are all tied up 2-2, which I find surprising since HV has the better goalie in Stefan Liv and have been dominant this season. I expect them to win it all. But that is why they play them and today, Linköping and Frölunda go head to head - without a win today in Linköping the team from Gothenburg will not be defending their title. Hopefully Tommy Salo and company can get it together.
The top four ranked teams are here: Frölunda Indians, Linköping, HV-71, and Färjestad. No surprises really, they all played well all season long. Now we will see if a hot goaltender emerges or if some player rises to seize the day. So far there are a few candidates. From Linköping comes Fredrik Norrena who has played very well. He was helped by the pipes last time against Frölunda but he is always in position and is disciplined. He played for Finland in the Olympics this year though not in the final against Sweden. Canadian Shane Willis (who played with the Hurricanes and with the Lightning) is having a very good post season. He maybe taking a few too many penalties but he looks like his legs are fresh and he is playing with grit.
Frölunda needs their stars to step up and score some goals. The second and third lines also need to be better. Magnus Kahnberg, who is going to play in St. Louis, has been playing poorly, he needs to get it together for Frölunda to win.
HV-71 and Färjestad are all tied up 2-2, which I find surprising since HV has the better goalie in Stefan Liv and have been dominant this season. I expect them to win it all. But that is why they play them and today, Linköping and Frölunda go head to head - without a win today in Linköping the team from Gothenburg will not be defending their title. Hopefully Tommy Salo and company can get it together.
posted by Jeremiah at 3:06 PM
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