2019 has dawned with the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) finely poised. With around two thirds of fixtures played, Frolunda are leading the way, but only four points separates the top six and even Skelleftea AIK in eleventh place are not out of play-off contention.

Frolunda’s strong campaign is not a complete surprise, as they won the title only three years ago, but they were not ranked as favourites for the 2018-19 season. In fact, based on the implied probabilities generated on Bigbetbookmakers.com, the team from Gothenburg were regarded as fourth favourites, behind last year’s winners Vaxjo Lakers, Djurgardens Stockholm and Skelleftea AIK.

But led by captain Joel Lundqvist and American Ryan Lasch, Frolunda have proven to be difficult to pass. Lasch has missed a few games after picking up an injury in the Champions Hockey League quarter-final, but Max Friberg stepped up with 9 points in 8 games during December, illustrating the strength in depth that Frolunda can call on, though they will need to call on all their resources for the rest of the season as they attempt to sustain a domestic and a European challenge.

Lulea’s strong performance so far has been even more of a surprise. The club has only won the SHL once and finished seventh in the regular season last year, but they made a fast start and despite struggling in December, they remain the closest challengers to Frolunda. Experienced assistant captain Niklas Olausson has been in reliable form in recent weeks, contributing 9 points and showing the sort of consistency that the team will need to find if they are to sustain their challenge.

Currently in third place, Farjestad have made a lot of friends this season with their attacking style of play. Joakim Nygard, Jesper Olofsson and Johan Ryno – drafted by the Detroit Red Wings – have all been among the goals, while Jesse Virtanen is the SHL’s joint assists-leader with 19. They can be streaky, but their high rate of goalscoring makes them danger to any of the league’s teams.

The other team in the top four, Lingkopings, have had a rollercoaster season so far. Having made a flawless start, they hit a rough patch but five wins out of seven in December provided a timely boost and leaves them in contention for honours. Former NHL player Derek Roy is the leading scorer for this prolific team, and he has also been helped by the return to form of Andrew Gordon, who was on target with a game winner during Sudden Death in a game against Malmo.

Finally, it has been a surprise to see both of last season’s finalists are struggling. Reigning champions Vaxjo Lakers are currently in sixth, while Skelleftea, who have reached the final in seven of the last eight seasons are having a nightmare of a season. They are currently in eleventh position, and in danger of missing out on the Round of 16, which would be a humiliation for a team with such a strong record. But with around 20 games to go for both teams, they still have a chance to turn things round.

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