The top two seeds in the Elitserien swapped spots Feb. 19 as defending league champions HV 71 picked up a crucial win while Skellefteå AIK tumbled to a desperate band of Indians.

With just a week left to play in the regular season, Frölunda is mounting a last-minute charge to grab the eighth and final playoff spot from Timrå. The Indians took a step toward that goal with a 4-1 win over Skellefteå. The Indians grabbed a 3-0 first-period lead and never looked back. Christian Backman had a goal and two assists for Frölunda.
The loss left Skellefteå level points with HV 71 but the defending champions vaulted into the top spot in the league on goal difference. HV 71 gained the tie on points at 88 with a 2-1 win over AIK. Martin Thörnberg and Kris Beech tallied for the Blue Bulls while Patrik Nemeth scored for AIK.
Färjestad inched a little closer to the No. 1 seed with a 6-2 win over Södertälje. Mikael Johansson had three assists and Magnus Nygren two as six different players scored for the Wolfpack. Martin Chabada had both goals for SSK.
Djurgården solidified its hold on the No. 7 seed with a 2-1 win over the seemingly kvalserien-bound Modo. Daniel Bodin and Andreas Holmqvist scored for DIF. Nicklas Danielsson tallied for Modo, which now sits in last place in the standings.

by Chipp Reid