The superiority of the Pelicans did not get a result this time either, although otherwise the match was perfectly under the control of the people of Lahti. Tommi Niemelä’s silence about refereeing took new turns.
Pelicans took an important victory. With that, the final series is really alive again. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
There was no 4-0 overrun in these finals, although all the signs were in the air.
Tappara now provided the necessary amount of line in the third final, and the Pelicans grabbed the lead. Known as a tough home team, Tappara deservedly lost 4–1 considering the events of the game.
In the two previous finals, the Pelicans had had a hard time in the opening set, but this time the people of Lahti were better at the beginning. Especially Toni Utusen scored the opening goal of the match was vital for the Pelicans.
– We are improving all the time. Today was a good continuation from yesterday, and now we scored a few goals, Pelicans head coach Tommi Niemelä saw
Now the Pelicans were better able to match Tappara’s fighting power, and it wasn’t ringing in the same way with goal attempts.
– Today we were able to take a small step forward and we succeeded very well. Okay, of course two of our goals came from direct attacks.
In a normal court game, the Pelicans gave a strong sample of their abilities on Saturday, when they were really strongly on top of the game at times.
– Our game is enough at the moment with a draw. We can be created in it with enough high-quality defense and attack.
– You have to be able to stay on the puck even more. Especially in that last set, we saw that if you can’t attack terribly, then you give too many weapons to the opponent, Niemelä said.
Sad superiority
One thing for the Pelicans also remained the crowning glory in this match: the dominance game. On Saturday, it got four overtimes, but there was no result even now.
It should be clear that the zero balance cannot continue in the long run if the Pelicans seriously intend to challenge Tappara for the championship. In the entire series, it has missed all nine of its chances.
– There were quite a lot of plots today too. It’s probably due to the small buttons. Hard work is usually rewarded, Niemelä said about inefficiency.
– Upper crossbar and post and one empty goal, where the goal was moved out of place.
With this, Niemelä referred to the situation in the second set, where Tapparan Petteri Puhakka moved the goal frame with his lunge just before Lukáš Jašek’s shot.
– It would have been a goal, Niemelä saw.
The story continues after the picture.
Tommi Niemelä had a conversation with the Liiga’s communications boss. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Censorship?
Niemelä has taken a role during the finals with his comments, where he has loudly refused to comment on the refereeing.
It has been possible to read between the lines that there was something to say.
– Sometimes there would be something to say and sometimes not. I have received very clear instructions for that, Niemelä comments now.
So are you feeling censored?
– No. Let’s go ahead.
Niemelä’s colleague Jussi Tapola however, gave criticism after the third match to the judging line, which he said changed in the final round.
Niemelä, on the other hand, is not even allowed to praise the judges, because he follows the instructions he receives.
The Communications Director of the SM League was present Tuomas Nyholm after the interview, I had a short discussion with Niemelä about the matter.
– I know you want to talk about it, Nyholm told Niemelä.
The final series continues on Tuesday in Lahti with Tappara leading 2–1.