The quarterfinals of the SM league started with matches hosted by Tappara and Pelicans.
Golden helmet Jori Lehterä led Tappara to the lead in the Nokia Arena. Stock photo. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
In Tampere, the reigning champion of the CHL and Finland and the number one in the regular season will meet KooKoo, who in the last six days has risen magnificently from 11th place in the regular season, first to the last playoff spot and then through the first round of the playoffs to the quarterfinals.
The people of Kouvola sensationally defeated Kärpät in a series of three matches. KooKoo took the decisive third victory yesterday in Oulu (5–0), from which it was already in a hurry to go to Tampere.
Tappara got into the game after almost a week’s break, but for KooKoo, who is having an inhuman bull week, the match is already the sixth in eight days.
Flash start
Tappara did not show mercy but took the command already in 3:35, when Jori Lehterä the KooKoo guard shot the puck with his wrist from behind the jam Oskari Setänen to the back – and double piston ventilation at the rear.
KalPa to the lead
Pelicans and KalPa face each other in Lahti, the regular season’s No. 1 and Viton, whose playoff career begins with this match series.
This match also saw a quick opening goal. It was done by the defender of the visiting KalPa Jesper Mattila after being able to shoot from the first sector quite freely.
Iltalehti follows the progress of the matches in this story.