Örebro HK – Luleå HF

We have reached the playoffs in the SHL, when we now head to Ørebro's home arena Behrn Arena. Ørebro HK – Luleå HF , finished in 7-10th place. There number seven (Luleå), meets team number ten (Ørebro). The winner here in a series of three games, enters the quarterfinals.

Luleå must consider themselves favorites in this one, even though Ørebro has shown good form lately. Luleå was the team that ran away with the victory in the playoffs last year, when they took the title for the first time in 29 years. In that respect, the team has probably disappointed their fans in the domestic league this year.

But the team has delivered in another arena, and it shows the potential in the team, and we think maybe it's now coming to light. Let's take a look.

Örebro HK - Where they belong

For the third season in a row, Ørebro is placed in the same target they usually are. They have come ninth or tenth in three seasons in a row. That means we follow them and know where we are. They have also been eliminated in the same round in the last two seasons. It is usually here and no further.

As I said, they have delivered well at the end of the season. Five wins and two losses in the last seven have earned them this spot. But earlier in the season they have delivered very weakly at times.

Patrik Karlkvist in particular has perhaps delivered. Something he has done all season. 50 points in 52 games puts him in fourth place in the points league. He has been, along with Quenneville, the team's biggest asset.

But this is probably also a bit of a problem, because they have little depth to offer, and will probably notice it against such an opponent in crucial matches.

But it must be said that Ørebro is a strong home team, and takes about twice as many points at home as away. That's the question here. Because Luleå probably doesn't want to play more games than they have to.

Luleå HF – Love the playoff format

As mentioned earlier, the team won the playoffs last year. The team was expected to do well this season as well. Many are therefore probably surprised that the team is in this position. We think there is a natural explanation for this.

Because this team loves the playoffs. They proved that this season, when they made it all the way to the Final in the Champions League Hockey this year. It was an all-Swedish duel this time. Where Frølunda drew the longest straw.

It has probably affected the team in the period after the loss, and the team finished weakly. Which means that they have to take this path to the playoffs. But if there is a team that is going to do well, it is probably this team that has actually been tipped as one of the favorites all along.

We think they are mobilizing now, and after all, there is a new title to aim for. The last few games will probably be forgotten, and the team is looking forward.

The team has struggled a bit on away ice, and is only the fifth best team on foreign ice this year. They should be good enough to win such a crucial away game. The team has good depth in the team and O'Neill (USA), Nurmi (FIN) and Allard (CAN), have contributed along with Swedish players, and produced well in many ranks. We think that could easily be a decisive factor.

Conclusion – A team Luleå enjoys meeting

The difference in quality between these teams should, on paper, be almost a divisional difference. But it hasn't been so far this season. We have therefore had to consider other things as well.

Internally, this is more or less a dream opponent for Luleå. Luleå has actually won 9 of the last 10 matches against the same opponent. A team they have an extremely good grip on.

Such factors often tend to repeat themselves. It's about self-confidence. If you just look at this season, the matches are as follows. Ørebro won the first game back in October with 3-0. After that, Luleå has won 0-3, 3-1 and 5-3.

At great odds, we therefore play the following bet.

Hockey at 19:00: Örebro HK – Luleå HF: Luleå wins moneyline (1.90)

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