Luleå’s Rapid Third-Period Goals Secure Comeback Victory Over HV71

In a dramatic SHL encounter, Luleå mounted a swift and decisive comeback against HV71 to claim a 2-1 victory on November 22, 2025. The turning point came immediately after the third period began, when Isac Hedqvist scored just seven seconds in by capitalizing on a rebound from HV71’s goalie Lassi Lehtinen, leveling the score at 1-1. Shortly thereafter, Heikki Liedes ended his lengthy goalless streak by scoring a powerful shot into the top corner, giving Luleå the lead for good.

Luleå’s impressive performance in the final period allowed them to climb to eighth place in the SHL standings, bolstered by their second consecutive win. Coach Thomas "Bulan" Berglund praised the team’s ability to handle pressure during away games, underscoring their improved resilience.

Meanwhile, HV71 endured a disappointing setback, remaining near the bottom of the table in 13th place, just two points ahead of relegation-threatened Leksand. Goalie Lassi Lehtinen had been solid for much of the match, not conceding a goal in five periods prior to the quick strikes in the third, but defensive lapses left the team vulnerable at the crucial moment. HV71’s coach Anton Blomqvist expressed frustration with how his team reacted after conceding, stating, "We should be able to act differently on the goals they score, to say the least."

Looking ahead, Luleå will host Leksand in their next match, while HV71 prepares to face Örebro at home. The match highlighted both the resilience and tactical prowess Luleå displayed to overturn the deficit in a matter of minutes, while HV71’s defensive shortcomings remain a concern as they struggle to climb out of the relegation zone.