The playoff spot is too far for the people of Lappeenranta. On Tuesday, the team lost an important game at home to the Pelicans, 2–3.
Canadian Adam Helewka scored SaiPa’s opening goal on Tuesday. ELMERI ELO / AOP
On Tuesday, SaiPa started sharply against Pelicans in their home hall and won the opening set 2–0. The goal scorers were a Canadian Adam Helewka and in the real dressing room goal just 11 seconds before the end of the set Elmeri Laakso.
It was a power play goal.
The Pelicans entered the match right at the beginning of the second period, when Filip Kral struck with superiority 1–2.
A strange statistic for the Yankees
Yankee striker Ryan Lasch initial goal. This is how Lasch’s score column shows the readings 0+21.
The people of Lahti, who had been running smoothly on the ice in the opening set, leveled a moment later with Aatu Jämsen’s hit, and the home team’s fast start melted away.
At the end of the second period Antoine Morand got to try hard, but Jussi Olkinuora repelled.
In the third set in 15:32 Jesse Kiiskinen shot a wrist shot for Lahti’s victory.
Bad situation
Ville Hämäläinen has a heavy Savotta league jumbo as the head coach of SaiPa. JAAKKO STENROOS / AOP
SaiPa’s situation is dire. The team has collected 17 points in 23 games. The place for the playoffs is already far away, and South Karelia will not play the League playoffs next spring.
– The fact is that the situation is more than challenging. I can dream all kinds of things about it. However, the species is quite clear. It’s not up to the team to write this, Iltalehti expert Pekka Virta nails.
In order for SaiPa to reach the 10th place, the team should grab points at the pace of the top teams. Not impossible, of course, but other teams also win games during the winter weeks.
– In that situation, the team always has to play at the limit. Nobody can do that 60 times a season or three times a week, Virta continues.
Not in stores yet
SaiPa is very close to the point where it has to give up its players. That is, to trade or exchange players to save costs.
– We have no need to sell our players on this date, states the CEO Jani Valkeapää For Iltalehti.
According to Virra, SaiPa players will appear for sale later.
– I can’t estimate the time span, but this is how it happens. They need to invest in next season, they need to get resources for the coming season. They are selling players who are not part of their future. Sales will come if there is something to sell, says Virta.
Virta coached SaiPa in the 2021–22 season and part of the 2022–23 season. Turkulainen gives recognition to the organization.
– It’s not up to the company. Of course there will be individual victories, SaiPa is certainly capable of winning individual games.
Saipa is last in the League.