AIK captain Jonathan Pudas returned to play in the sixth SM semifinal after the injury he suffered against Örebro in the final stages of the regular season.
Skellefteå AIK faced a tough battle in the SM semi-final opener against Frölunda. Early penalties put them on the back foot, with Frölunda dominating possession and power plays. Despite strong defensive play, AIK couldn't convert on their own chances and remained scoreless after the first period.
The second period began with a Frölunda power play goal and continued with their offensive pressure. AIK finally earned their first power play but couldn't score. They ended the period shorthanded yet again.
The third period saw AIK finally score through Jonathan Johnson, tying the game at 1-1. However, their momentum was short-lived as Frölunda regained the lead with a goal from Max Friberg. AIK pressed for an equalizer but were hampered by another penalty and couldn't find the net.
Jere Innala's breakaway goal with just over two minutes remaining sealed the victory for Frölunda at 3-1. The final minutes saw heated emotions and match penalties for both teams. AIK will need to play it cool on Thursday if they're to progress to the final.
Malte Strömwall and Frölunda defeated Arvid Lundberg and Skellefteå AIK in the sixth SM semifinal.
Axel Sandin Pellikka fighting to repel Frölunda last night.
FAKTA
Frölunda gnSkellefteå AIK 3–1 (0–0, 1–0, 2–1)
Goals: 1–0 (21.04) David Edstrom (Friberg, Strömwall,) spel fem mot fyra, 1–1 (47.20) Jonathan Johnson (M. Lindholm, Lindberg), 2–1 (49.42) Max Friberg (Tömmernes, Strömwall), 3–1 (57.31) Jere Innala (Edstrom, Thorell).
Shots on goal: 30–21 (16–7, 10–6, 4–8).
Penalty minutes: 38–65 (2–31, 6–4, 30–30).
Referee: Mikael Nord, Linus Öhlund.
Attendance: 12 044
With Tuesday's victory for Frölunda, there will be a seventh and decisive match at the Skellefteå Kraft Arena on Thursday to determine which team will face Rögle BK in the SM final.