It'll be an all-Swedish affair when Brynäs IF play host to Frölunda Gothenburg in this Champions Hockey League Semi-Finals series. The home side punched their ticket to this leg of the competition after downing KalPa Kuopio 8-3 on aggregate, as Brynäs managed to put five past the Finns in the First Game and added three more in their Return Game fixture. While not as equally dominant on the scoreboard, their challengers were equally successful in advancing to the Semi-Finals, as Frölunda were able to edge out German side ERC Ingolstadt 5-3 on aggregate.

Frölunda continued their season with another close battle in the 2025/26 Playoffs. After staving off Grenoble's efforts in the Round of 16, winning that series by one goal, the Swedes were tested once again by another tough competitor. But for how close the aggregate scoring was, the stats told a completely different story.

Looking at the First Game in which they squeaked out a 3-1 win, Frölunda could've easily created a larger goal gap if not for the play of Ingolstadt's Nico Pertuch, as the Swedes outshot the Germans 25-12. The Return Game saw an improved Ingolstadt take to the ice, but despite five powerplay opportunities, the Germans were unable to gain ground thanks to the Swedes' excellent defensive effort.

As they prepare to take on Brynäs, Frölunda will need to make the most of their first-place defence again as they take on a club that has scored three or more goals in three out of four Playoff games so far. Fortunately for the visitors, their backstops have been able to rise to the challenge thus far, with both Lars Johansson and Tobias Normann able to competently man the crease. 

For the home side, putting pressure on their opponents' netminders has been their marquee ability through their Playoff run. In their Round of 16 series, Brynäs put a total of 68 shots on net against Swiss side SC Bern. In their Quarter-Finals contests, the Swedes let go 39 shots in the First Game against KalPa and managed to secure five goals and a comfortable cushion that ultimately guided them into the Top 4.

Frölunda, however, have shown they are more than capable of frustrating their opponents' offence, so being able to solve the Swedes' defence and netminders early will be Brynäs's best chance of finding success in the Semi-Finals, but given the years of history these two Swedish clubs share in the SHL, the result is up in air.