The Pelicans will need hockey basics on Thursday – and a little luck.
According to Iikka Kangasniemi, everyone in the Pelicans booth believes in victory on Thursday. The statistics are not on the Pelicans’ side, because only once in the history of the League have they gone from a 1-3 loss position to a win. MIKA KYLMÄNIEMI / AOP
The Pelicans are in a very clear situation in Tampere on Thursday. The team doesn’t have to think about yesterday or tomorrow, just the final game of the day.
If the team loses Thursday’s final game, its season is over and the championship sauna will be heated in Tampere over the long May Day weekend. Impressive Tappara leads the final series with a 3–1 victory.
– We have to play our own game, which we have played this spring, from start to finish. Tappara defends really well, but everything has to be taken out of our team, said Iikka Kangasniemi.
On Wednesday, the Pelicans have a voluntary ice practice.
– In the morning we watch videos, then everyone does some training. We fill up well and rest. Of course, every inch of that booth has faith that we can win and continue this series, Kangasniemi added.
“There is passion”
Few outside of Päijät-Häme have believed in Peliacans’ championship chances. One of the most important games in the club’s history lies ahead.
– Yes, we have passion. On Tuesday, the guy scored three goals, we scored one. There was a solution. On Thursday, we will go there for the goal, we will push ourselves to the right side of the game, stated the Pelicans coach Tommi Niemelä.
– We get to play again on Thursday. Let’s look at the things that were good in the video, and let’s start improving the game again. That’s the route we’re going and that’s what we believe in, “Hölö” Niemelä continued.
Good feeling
Lars Bryggman (left) and Valtteri Kemiläinen in a tight turn. The championship may be decided as early as Thursday in Tampere, Tappara has the cut-off place. MIKA KYLMÄNIEMI / AOP
Lars Bryggman reminded that Pussinokat already claimed one victory from Tappara’s cool and almost impregnable home cave.
– The whole team must have a good feeling about the last game in Tampere. We played a good game then, we have to find that feeling again. Tappara then got tough in the third set, but we fought and withstood it.
– If we play a similar game, then we have a chance to bring the series back to Lahti.
Pelicans won 4–1 at Nokia Arena on Saturday. Somehow, the young team should repeat that miracle again on Thursday.
It will be difficult. Tappara has smelled the scent of the championship.