HV71 fell 4–2 at home against Luleå on Tuesday, marking the team’s seventh defeat in the Swedish Hockey League.
The latest setback leaves the club firmly at the bottom of the league table. “Det känns tufft” (It feels tough), HV71 coach Niklas Eriksson said in an interview with TV4.
Luleå secured the victory when American forward Brian O’Neill scored the decisive goal. HV71 pulled their goaltender in a late push for an equalizer, but Ben Tardif sealed the match into an empty net following a pass from Mathias Bromé.
Despite the scoreline, Eriksson defended his players’ efforts. “Laget har en bra inställning i matchen. Tur förtjänar man, men jag tycker vi hade förtjänat bättre i den här matchen,” said Eriksson.
Luleå Goaltender Denies HV71 Scoring Opportunities
HV71’s lone goal arrived during the second period. In the opening frame, Luleå goaltender Joel Lassinantti shut down the hosts completely, denying Slovak forward Pavol Regenda with a sprawling glove save on a golden scoring opportunity.
“Det finns inte en chans, och han sa att det var tur, han hade handsken där och jag sköt rätt i den,” Regenda told TV4 during the intermission. “Den borde gå in varenda gång, det var mitt fel.”
The loss extends HV71’s dismal run to just one victory in their last ten matches, leaving them far behind in the standings.
“Det blir ett stort glapp nu, och det är svåra poäng att hämta hem,” said hockey expert Joel Lundqvist.
Eriksson Focuses on Structural Improvements as Supporters Show Discontent
Eriksson emphasized the need to focus on structural improvements rather than dwelling on mistakes.
“Det går inte att stirra sig blind på misstag, de måste vi lära oss av. Vi jobbar med defensiven dagligen, jag tror mycket på att bygga på bra saker. Jag tycker vi är där vi vill vara för att skapa lägen,” said Eriksson.
Discontent was visible in the stands as home supporters unfurled a banner on the terrace reading: “I botten år efter år. Löner i toppen svårt förstå” (At the bottom year after year. Salaries at the top hard to understand).
Upcoming Fixtures
HV71 returns to action on Saturday with a home match against Timrå. Luleå, celebrating their third win, travels back to Norrbotten to face Färjestad on Saturday.
