Malmö Redhawks took a 5-4 victory over HV71 in the SHL on 19 September 2026, a result that defied expectations for the home side. The match opened the new season for both clubs, each carrying recent form into what turned out to be a tightly contested affair. We had backed the hosts at 44 per cent confidence, but the game went another way entirely.
HV71 had looked solid enough in their recent run, picking up three wins from five outings including a 4-3 victory over Djurgården on 12 September. Malmö Redhawks showed more vulnerability, losing three of their last five but managing to grind out results against tougher opposition. That difference in quality showed through when it mattered.
The visitors found their rhythm earlier, taking control in the middle periods where HV71 struggled to match the pace. Malmö's ability to keep the puck moving in transition proved decisive, and they punished the home side's defensive lapses when they came. The visitors never really looked threatened until the final moments.
HV71 fought back to stay within reach, but they could not find the equaliser they needed. The home side had chances in the closing stages, but Malmö's goalkeeper stood tall when called upon. It was a narrow margin that separated two sides who had given everything.
Both teams remain untested in the official standings, with no points or games recorded yet in the league table. This result gives Malmö a psychological edge heading into their next fixture, while HV71 will need to regroup quickly. The season is wide open, and this was only the beginning.
