For Brynäs, defence has been the foundation. The Swedish side conceded only ten goals in six games – among the best figures in the CHL – and posted two shutouts along the way. Their campaign began with a loss, but what followed was a perfect road trip, winning convincingly in Hradec Králové and following it up with a 4–2 home success over KAC Klagenfurt and then yet another win against reigning CHL Champions ZSC Lions Zurich.
Even in their two narrow defeats that followed, Brynäs showed structure and composure, traits that will serve them well in the Playoffs.
Up front, Lucas Pettersson has been the spark with three goals and five points, while Anton Rödin and centre Linus Ölund have added experience and work rate. On defence, Robert Hägg and Mattias Norlinder bring stability and puck movement and goaltenders Collin Delia (91.7% save percentage) and Damian Clara (95.9% save percentage) have combined for a strong tandem.
Perhaps the most striking number, though, is Brynäs’s 100% penalty kill, a figure matched only by Finnish side Ilves Tampere.