IK Oskarshamn – IF Björklöven

A match in the Hockeyallsvenskan when we travel to IK Oskarshamn and Be-Ge Hockey Center. The home team is in 6th place so far, and will meet IF Bjørkløven who are leading the series.

Both teams have had a bit of a mixed bag of form lately, but now it looks like both teams are finding their stride again.

If we are to follow expectations here, Bjørkløven will probably have to accept being favorites.

IK Oskarshamn – wants to maintain its position

Oskarshamn is, as mentioned, in 6th place. It is the last position that gives a direct place in the playoffs. 7-10th place must go to the qualifiers before they can play in the playoffs. Right now there are only two points separating the place below.

In this sense, they won an important match last time, when they beat Mora, who are in the place below. The trend has also been that they have lost to teams that are ahead in the table, and beaten the teams that are below.

The home form has been good, and the team is the fourth best team in the division. However, they have lost two of the last three home matches. Only a slightly lucky 3-2 win at home against the bottom team Troja/Ljungby has been in the last three home matches.

The team has a total of 69 points in 46 games, and a goal difference of 128-118. Which means that they barely score more goals than they allow. As we shall see, that is far from what today's opponent delivers on that front.

Of the players who create something. Only Herman Traff has delivered. He is in 6th place so far in the points league. Incredibly impressive from the youngster. He has gained confidence after the transfer from Hv71, and has shown that he can deliver at this level. But the challenge is that he is left a bit alone. The depth in the team is not good enough. The opponent has a completely different depth in their team, and it can therefore be a bit lonely.

IF Björklöven - chasing league gold

Bjørkløven lead the series on the same points as Kalmar. But they have one game less to play than their challenger, and therefore have the opportunity to secure a place in the next round if they win this one.

Away, the team is clearly the best of all teams in the division, and seems incredibly solid, when the home teams have to control the games. It suits this team well. They have a lot of speed and technique in the team. They have also won their last two away games, and the last four games overall. That bodes well in terms of form.

In total, they have 103 points in 46 games, and a solid goal difference of 173-87. Which means they score the most along with Kalmar. But concede the least. Crazy numbers.

They also have a tremendous depth in the team, and 6 players in the top 15 in the points league. So here are the points from several teams. Liam Dower Nilsson is fighting right up there to be the points king. He is currently only one point behind first place with one less game played. Another youngster who impresses.

If this goes as we think, we will soon see Bjørkløven increase their lead for league gold.

Conclusion – smells like gold

The team that has been chasing league gold all year has found its form again. We therefore consider Bjørkløven as clear favorites for today's match.

The teams have met three times earlier this season. Two of the games have ended in draws for Bjørkløven, and one has ended in a victory for Oskarshamn. The game Oskarshamn won was a game Bjørkløven won 30-19 in shooting statistics. So not a completely fair picture with that result.

With 29-16 and 33-16 in the two games they won, you can see that the balance of power has been the same in all the games. While the score has been the difference.

We therefore believe that if things go well, Bjørkløven will win again.

Hockey at 19:00: IK Oskarshamn – IF Björklöven: IF Bjørklöven wins (1.77)