First Round

Almtuna took out one of the pre season favourites as they knocked out Malmö in the decisive play off game yesterday. The home team took a comfortable victory leaving the Redhawks facing yet another season in Allsvenskan. The first round in Kvalserien therefore looks like this.

Almtuna IS -  Leksands IF

Leksand has had problems with Almtuna throughout the season and has only managed to score once in Gränbyhallen. The games has all been home wins with Almtuna's victories being 5-0 and 3-1. Leksand will have to be on their toes and look to cancel out the attacking threat posed by quick players like Robert Kimby and Jimmie Kraft as Almtuna are lethal on the break. AIS does not spend many minutes in the sin bin and will have to be ground down in 5-on-5 play. Letting the hosts take the lead is usually not recommended as they are incredibly good at keeping hold of the puck and frustrating their opponents. Leksand on the other hand are good at containing teams and will not be exposing themselves in the same way Malmö did. This might not suit AIS and they will be forced to play a different type of hockey than what they have done in the play offs, and as far as I know, Almtuna only knows how to play hockey one way. In this game the first goal will be incredibly important. AIS seem to be in form and should be held as favourites to win on home ice. Leksand with two weeks without competitive games will have to get up to speed quickly. However, Almtuna has played three games in the last week and might their stamina will be tested.

Tip: 3-4 after penalties

Great defending!

Rögle BK - Södertälje SK

The two teams from Elitserien battle it out immediately. Rögle is arguably the weaker side of the two and, according to the experts, the side that could possibly be replaced in the top flight by one of the former AS teams. The home advantage is important and Rögle is renowned for being difficult to beat in Ängelholm - however, the pressure will be on to make it count. Södertälje has welcomed back captain and top scorer Linus Klasen from injury and will be going into this game with nothing to lose. A point would be a bonus and the team can play without pressure.

Tip: 2-3


Växjö Lakers - AIK

Växjö has beaten AIK three out of four times this season and being undefeated by AIK at home, they will be hoping the trend will continue. Key man in AIK will be Cristopher Heino-Lindberg - if he has a good day, he can stop any team on his own. AIK is notoriously difficult to figure out and they are renowned for blowing hot and cold, especially on their trips. However, if I were to be a betting man, I'd go for a home win as I think the consistency of Växjö will prevail. Also, it promises to be an interesting post-game match up between coaches Janne Karlsson (VL) and Roger Melin (AIK). Janne Karlsson is certain to be the winner in this one.

Tip: 4-2