Modo Hockey - HV 71

It was time again to see some Eliteserien ice hockey, so we drove down to Örnsköldsvik to Kempehallen for the game between Modo Hockey and HV 71 from Jönköping. Last seasons champion HV 71 had to fight for qualify again for the playoffs, while Modo Hockey was already 5th in every case. Unfortunately Peter Forsberg was still injured and could not play, but goalkeeper Tommy Salo was back on the ice. The Game began well and after some big opportunites for HV 71, Modo came better into the game and scored 2 goals in the first period. The second period then was quite boring. HV71 could not react and no good play was seen.
The third period became rougher, both teams had their opportunites to score and the goalkeepers were standing in the focus. But it was surly not the evening of Husquarna keeper Stefan Liv. The 3-0 didn't seem to be unsavable and with the 4-0 four minutes later he didn't look good as well (even it was not his fault). Three minutes before the end he lost his stick and wanted to get a new while the game was on the other side, but Modo-defender Mattias Timander got the puck and scored the 5-0 from the own defense zone into the empty net. On the other side, Tommy Salo played a great game (en kanonmatch, like the Swedes say), but could not hold the shut-out because the Modo defenders were sleeping during the last minute.

Modo won 5-1 and this means for HV 71 that they won't reach the playoffs and the season is over. It is the first time in 20 years that the last years champion doesn't reach the playoffs. (Mathias, ich würd s'Blue Bulls Liibli verbränne wänn ich dich wär!). The level of the game was ok (surly compared with the last games I've seen here in Umeå), but the games I've seen last year in Kempehallen were a lot better. Now I'm looking forward to go there once again during the playoffs (and hopefully Peter Forsberg will play again).

Modo Hockey- 5, HV 71 - 1

Rolf Leu, Kempehallen Domsjö / Örnsköldsvik