Växjö Lakers won the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) 2018 after defeating Skellefteå AIK in the final series with a crushing 4-0 streak (7-0, 4-0, 4-1 and 5-0).
April 17 – 28 Finals (best of 7)
Växjö Lakers – Skellefteå AIK
Comment: A true heavyweight battle for the 2018 SHL trophy!
April 2 – 15, Semifinals (best of 7)
Växjö – Malmö
Comment: Malmö managed to outmaneuver Frölunda in the quarterfinals through a solid defensive game. Can they keep it up against Växjö’s major offensive force?
Linköping – Skellefteå AIK
Comment: Linköping has been a strong contender for the overall win through most of the 21st century, but never managed to go all the way. Skellefteå is a solid team from the north with plenty of playoff experience, and a winning tradition.
March 18 – 31, Quarterfinals (best of 7):
Växjö – Brynäs
Djurgården – Linköping
Comment: Växjö and Djurgården will be regarded as favourites no matter which team they are up against in the play offs. We do think Djurgården wants to avoid Luleå though, because of the rivalry between the capital, Stockholm (Djurgården) and the north (Luleå).
Frölunda – Malmö
Comment: Two of Sweden’s biggest cities are heads up in this meeting.
Färjestad – Skellefteå AIK
Comment: South vs North between two traditionally strong teams.
March 12 – 16, Round of 16 (best of 3):
Luleå HF – Brynäs IF
Comment: A classic matchup between two teams from the north!
Linköping – HV71
Comment: Two normally strong teams that are having a rough season.
