While every match between Stockholm neighbours AIK and Djurgarden is hotly contested, tensions are starting to boil over ahead of their best-of-seven final series.
The build-up has been marred by threats against several Allsvenskan referees, leading to many being removed from officiating the Finals for security reasons.
"It is obviously distressing," said HockeyAllsvenskan referee manager Björn Wettergren to the Expressen newspaper, "It's always an extra push when AIK and Djurgården meet, but it's being taken to a new level now.
"I don't want to comment on the selections or individual names due to various security factors. There are some who won't be refereeing, and it's not for sporting reasons."
"It will become clear who won't be able to referee these matches, I don't want to say who just now, but it's despicable that they can't be there due to their safety," he added.
Djurgarden finished in first place in the regular season, before beating Mora 4-0 and Sodertalje 4-3 in their Quarter-Final and Semi-Final series, respectively.
AIK, meanwhile, only finished fifth in the regular standings, then had series wins over IF Bjorkloven (4-3) and BIK Karlskoga (4-2) to reach the Finals.
16-time Le Mat Trophy winners Djurgarden were relegated from the SHL in 2022, while AIK last played in the top flight in 2014.
All the matches in the series will be played at Hovet, the arena both teams share, though no away fans will be present at any of the ties.
But with threats made, Matthias Sanemyr, the Djurgarden CEO, distanced his club from the unsavoury matters when speaking to TT.
"It is clear that threats – regardless of whether they are directed against referees or players in their own team or in the opposing team – are something we take a clear distance from. It is not what our colors or our shield stand for. The matches should be decided on the ice, where our stands should support this fantastic team we have."
HockeyAllsvenskan's sports manager, Erik Ryman, has also called for calm, "I really urge leaders, players, but above all, the audience and supporters to think about what they say and how they express themselves in different forums. Because we end up in a security situation where many officials, referees, and referees' families receive a lot of threats and hate."
Match one of the HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Finals begins at 19:00 CEST tonight, with Djurgarden the designated home team.