Djurgården vs Växjö Lakers: match prediction on 24 September 2026

Växjö Lakers to win. The visitors carry better momentum into this fixture, having won three of their last five matches compared to Djurgården's two, and the model gives them a slight edge in expected goals. Växjö win if they keep their edge and ignore Djurgården’s home record.

Djurgården lost their opening SHL match and have struggled to find consistency in recent outings. Over their last five games they recorded two wins and three defeats, scoring 12 goals while conceding 14. Their most recent fixture ended 1:3 away at Rögle on 22 September, and before that they fell 0:3 to IF Björklöven at home on 19 September. The wins came against Malmö Redhawks and Brynäs in club friendlies, which carry less weight than league results.

Växjö Lakers also lost their season opener but have shown more potency in attack. Their last five matches produced three victories and two losses, with 18 goals scored against 14 conceded. They beat Malmö Redhawks 4:3 at home on 22 September and previously won 6:3 against Salzburg in the Champions Hockey League. Their only defeats came away to Frölunda (4:5) and at home to Tappara (1:2).

The head-to-head record runs slightly in Djurgården's favour. In five meetings since September 2025 they have won three games while Växjö have claimed two. The SHL-specific record is level at 2-2, with Djurgården winning 6:4 at home in March 2026 and losing 1:4 there in January.

Both sides sit on zero points after one SHL match, with Växjö in 9th and Djurgården in 12th. The model projects 2.3 for Djurgården, 2.7 for Växjö. Both to score. 2:2, 2:3 and 1:2 top the scoreline list.

Djurgården derail this if they press early and force mistakes. Växjö must also finish; the 2.7-goal projection means little without it. A draw would suit Växjö's approach of managing the game, and given how they have run matches in their recent victories, that scenario represents the main threat to the away win.