Ilves does well away from home, but it’s more difficult at home.
Two weeks ago on Friday, when Ilves lost to Lahti Pelsu 3–5 at the Nokia Arena, the Tampere team’s head coach Antti Pennanen compared Ilves to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
– There is a reason why, for example, Toronto doesn’t win the Stanley Cup terribly often. There must be something of the same type there, Pennanen said and referred to the pressure for success created by the fans of the Canadian club and the Tampere club.
The most recent of Toronto’s thirteen Stanley Cups is from 1967. The most recent of Ilves’ sixteen Canada Cups is from 1985.
In the 2023–24 season, Ilves has been the league’s best away team: 22 matches and 52 series points. The statistics take into account the eight series points taken in the Tampere locals hosted by Tappara.
In home matches, Ilves ranks tenth in the league: 23 games and 35 points.
– When you look at away and home games, there has been quite a big difference. There must have been pressure handling. But now the last games have been played better at home, commented Ilves’ captain Niklas Friman.
How subjectively do you feel the pressure? Is Ilves the Toronto of Finland?
– There is certainly pressure, as there has been in every team in my career. If I compare it to the pressure that was there last season, then this is a positive thing, as long as it is handled correctly, Friman answered.
Last season, he experienced a torturous qualifying series and relegation in Brynäs, Sweden.
Crazy package
On Friday, Ilves beat Tappara for the fourth time in this season’s SM league. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Freeman, Les Lancaster, Dominik Masin, Arttu Pelli, Jarkko Parikka and Otto Latvala. Ilves’ defense was already very strong from the beginning of the season, but it has strengthened drastically during the season – at least on paper.
Adam Clendening and Sami Niku are stars at the league level, even superstars.
– Incredibly good players who have strengthened the team. We have a lot of players, but that’s a positive thing for us. There is competition for playing spots, but I think there has been a really good feeling throughout the season, says Friman.
Lancaster, who is very liked by the team and among the fans, is currently unable to fit into the playing lineup. The man’s position in the tassel ears gets even worse when Masin returns from illness after a couple of weeks.
According to Friman, Lancaster’s stand command has not been discussed in the team.
– There has been turnover throughout the season. And there are always those who don’t play. When it hasn’t been played, those guys have been taken to extra work.
The return of Masinin means that the basic pack game will be strong from night to night Juho Rautanen drops out of the assembly.
What lordship?
The famous Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
On Friday evening, the people of Ilves had a reason to smile, when Tappara fell in the fifth game of the season in Tampere with 5-2 goals.
– The first set was difficult. We were in a bit of trouble with Tappara. In the second batch, we got to see a little more of our own work. Tappara pushed hard until the end, but the 4–2 goal was important for us. And we fought until the end. We are happy about the points, when Tappara is such a tough bunch.
Ilves is the undisputed master of the city this season. Before the last regular season meeting, the wins are 4–1 for the tassel ears. Ilves also won the practice match played before the start of the season against Tappara.
– Every time you can beat a local opponent, it feels good. But no championships or any dominations have been shared here, Friman announced.
Oula Palve (left) and Niklas Friman fanned out at the Nokia Arena on Friday. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP