Tappara won a thriller – a complete crash in the direction of the SM league: “A very stupid system”

The semi-final series of the SM league between HIFK and Tappara started dramatically on Friday in Helsinki.

The people of Helsinki were caught in a surprise, i.e. victory, 52 seconds before the end. However, Tappara fought back and took the match all the way to the second overtime.

Finally, the decisive 3–2 hit hit Brother Matti Savinainen Mikael Seppälän and Jori Lehterän of inputs.

– Was it a corner kick or was it a scrimmage? I went to the puck first and was able to pass it to Jori. He delivered it to the line. From there the puck to the goal, Savinainen summarized the situation.

– In the end, goals like that decide. Return puck, you could put the puck in the puck. It’s all about the little things, he continued.

The hit was made when almost 94 minutes of the match had passed. Savinainen said that she was able to cope with the problems with energy gel.

Jori Lehterä, the pitcher of the goal, revealed that he had put pressure on his teammate.

– I asked him at what stage he intends to do it. He said I will, I will. It was then the 94th minute, Lehterä laughed.

“Stupid system”

On Friday, Lehterä was not at all satisfied with the schedule of the semifinal series.

Tappara has the home advantage, but the series starts with two matches in Helsinki. The reason is the pop star Antti Tuiskun concerts in the Tappara sanctuary, Nokia Arena.

– This is a bit special. I would have liked to have started at home, Lehterä said.

However, the tempo of the match was more difficult than the breezy Tuisku’s performances.

HIFK and Tappara play on consecutive days, Friday and Saturday in Helsinki. The next game doesn’t come until Wednesday. Match days in Tampere are Wednesday, Friday and Monday.

– After all, this is a very stupid system, that we play on consecutive days and the next game is on Wednesday. Should press every other day professionally, the attacker updated.

Lehterä enjoys a tight pace of play in the playoffs.

– I have not come across anything like this. In general, it has always been played every other day. It’s nice to get two games right away. Then comes a long break. Then we’ll wait again.

– Long breaks kill the mood. Is at the cottage watching others play.

Lehterä has his own proposal for the SM league.

– Quick break, then let’s go. These are such cool games that I would like to play them all the time.

Freezing balance

The starting points for the series were dull for HIFK, as Tappara had won the teams’ regular season meetings this season 3–1.

Throughout history, Tappara has won 20 of the 28 semifinal series it has played, and this spring reached the top four for a record tenth time in a row. The winning percentage of the semi-final series of 74.1 is the best ever in the SM league.

However, the home team opened the match strongly despite the pressure and the heavy Lukko series. The reward came at seven and a half minutes, when Alexander Kaskimäki toured Tapparan Valtteri Kemläinen and scored the first playoff goal of his career.

Still 52 seconds before the end, HIFK seemed to win 2–1. The Helsinki surprise did not materialize, because Petteri Puhakka put the puck in the goal while Tappara was playing without a goalkeeper.

Both teams had chances to decide already in the first overtime. Tapparan Joona Ikonen got through, but pulled over the goal.

Finally, the solution was seen at the end of the second overtime.

New match

After the first battle ended, there was only 18 hours until the next game. From the Tappara camp, they were assured that the pace would not be slow.

– I don’t think anyone is tired in these games. HIFK has trained very well all season. They have top physics there. I don’t think it matters, head coach Jussi Tapola analyze.

Some have already joked whether it is worth going home from the ice rink in Helsinki at all.

– I have to go to the hotel to close my eyes, Brother Matti Savinainen resolved the situation.

HIFK and Tappara will play the second match on Saturday at 5 p.m.