SHL roundup: Rogle beaten by in-form Orebro to lose further ground on top two

William Wikman celebrates his goal for Orebro
William Wikman celebrates his goal for OrebroBildbyran / ddp USA / Profimedia

It's now five defeats in their last seven games for former Swedish Hockey League (SHL) leaders Rogle, as they became the latest victim in Orebro's best run of the season so far, going down 4-3 and losing further ground on Frolunda and Skelleftea, who both picked up victories.

A pair of wins over Vaxjo and HV 71 meant a third win in a row for the first time this season was on Orebro's radar, but they would be facing a Rogle side who returned to winning ways in their previous outing.

And it looked like the visitors were back in form when Leon Bristedt gave them the lead in the eighth minute, only for Orebro to hit back quickly with a Luke Martin strike and then open up a clear lead with goals from Noah Steen and Linus Arnesson before the first period was out.

Rogle pulled a goal back midway through the match through Linus Sandin, but the two-goal advantage was restored late in the second through William Wikman.

With eight minutes to play, Fredrik Olofsson made it a one-goal game again, and despite conceding a powerplay soon after and facing a barrage of late Rogle chances, Orebro held their nerve to close out a 4-3 win.

Orebro's best form of the season has moved them up into 10th place, thanks in part to Timra snapping their three-match losing run with a 3-2 win over Lulea, who Orebro have replaced in the Playoff places. However, they were unable to overtake Brynas, who came from 2-0 down to win 5-2 against HV 71.

HV 71 stay in the bottom two alongside Leksand, who were on the end of a 5-0 thrashing by Skelleftea, who had a point to prove after being beaten by Frolunda last time out.

Strauss Mann recorded another shutout by saving all 19 of the visitors shots on goal, and the victory takes Skelleftea back into second place, one point clear of Rogle.

But the unstoppable Frolunda are now nine points clear at the top as they recorded their 19th three-point win in 23 matches this season. They cruised past Linkoping, 4-1 away from home, which was further good news for Orebro, as all four teams now below them picked up zero points in this round.

Fourth-placed Vaxjo are now only three points behind Rogle after they took a shooutout win over Farjestad, 4-3. The visitors slumped to a third defeat in succession that leaves them in eighth place.

On the flipside, Malmo have gone seventh with a third win in a row, as they beat Djurgarden 5-3 to extend the Stockholm side's run of matches going the way of the home side to eight.

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