Djurgården failed to stay in the highest division and went on to play in the second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan for the 2012–13 season.
The Hovet arena was sold out, but Modo gained the upper hand and ultimately won 4–1.
The first period began with AIK scoring the opening goal after seven minutes, and Djurgården decided to take a timeout.
[10] 1997 IIHF Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time Swedish Champion with Djurgården Sven Tumba died at the age of 80 on 1 October.
Djurgården was scheduled to play against Elitserien newcomer Växjö Lakers the same day and, as a result of his death, a ceremony was held, including a one-minute silence before the game.
Centre Mika Zibanejad returned to Djurgården after playing nine games in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators.
[19] On 23 December 2011, Djurgården knocked AIK back by winning the third Stockholm derby of the season 3–2 in front of an outsold Ericsson Globe carrying 13,850 spectators.
As a result, Djurgården climbed back to a playoff spot, placing seventh in the league with 43 points.
[22][23][24] After only getting 10 points in January and falling down below a playoff spot, Djurgården decided to change the coaching staff.
These changes did not improve the situation, as Djurgården were now seated in one of the two spots for the relegation series Kvalserien.
Following four victories in five games, Djurgården had everything in their hands to avoid a Kvalserien spot going into the final round of the regular season on 6 March.
Going to the eighth game, Djurgården were most likely forced to defeat Leksands IF in order to keep their Elitserien dreams alive.
Djurgården lost 0–2 and, because Rögle BK defeated BIK Karlskoga, ended a 35-year run of consecutive seasons in the top division.