Rögle Ends 601-Day Derby Drought with Heated Win Over Malmö Amid On-Ice Brawl

Rögle ended a long 601-day wait to defeat their archrivals Malmö in an intense Skåne derby on October 16, 2025, winning 3-2 in a match marked by fierce competition and a dramatic post-game brawl. Leon Bristedt scored the decisive goal for Rögle five minutes into the third period, redeeming himself after a controversial early penalty that led to Malmö's opening goal. The victory was the first derby win for Rögle over Malmö since February 23, 2024, breaking a frustrating losing streak for the team.

The match climaxed with nearly all players embroiled in a heated fight on the ice following the final whistle in the neutral zone. Anton Bengtsson, Rögle's captain, played a provocative role throughout the game, intentionally agitating Malmö players Lauri Pajuniemi and Janne Kuokkanen. Bengtsson described his tactics, saying, "I was on Pajuniemi and Janne the whole game and tried to irritate them. Then it overflowed for him." He praised his team’s solidarity during the chaos, noting, "I love their reaction. It’s something we’ve done at the start of the season, standing up for each other really well." The referees ultimately prevented the teams from shaking hands, and Rögle celebrated their hard-fought victory with their fans.

Mark Friedman of Rögle highlighted the intense rivalry between the teams, stating, "Uppenbarligen är det två lag som inte gillar varandra." Bristedt, known as the SHL's most penalized player, faced frustrated officiating this season but managed to make a decisive impact in the derby. The next derby match between these rivals is scheduled for the following week in Ängelholm.

Meanwhile, another heated derby unfolded between Brynäs and Leksand amid struggles for both sides. Brynäs, aiming for redemption after last season's finals loss, welcomed back star Nicklas Bäckström, who scored within the first 78 seconds. Brynäs secured a critical win, emphasizing teamwork and resilience, while Leksand suffered their third consecutive loss, having only one win in seven matches.

These recent dramatic derbies underscore the passionate rivalries and emotional intensity that define Swedish ice hockey, captivating fans with fierce battles both on and off the ice.