Jukka Tammi analyzes the goalkeeper situation of Ilves and the entire SM league.
The Tampere Ilves have been raised as potential gold medal favorites for the first time since the beginning of the 1998–99 season in the analyzes of various experts.
– Oh, says the legend of the lynx and lions Jukka Tammi.
– I wouldn’t go that far. Of course, I’m a little worried about Ilves’ goalkeeping department, Pirkkalalan adds.
In the previous two seasons, the best goalkeeper in the series filled the gap between the posts with tassel ears Marek Langhamer.
– Very big boots to fill. It maybe somewhat compensates, when Ilves’ defense is slightly better than last year. And the head coach Antti Pennanen the game system might be better affected now, Tammi estimates.
Violent fluctuations
After his playing career ended in 1999, Jukka Tammi has worked, among other things, as Ilves’ goalkeeper coach. The main activity has always been in business life. Pirkkalalainen is the CEO of Clewat Oy, which specializes in cleaning waterways. Mikko Huisko
The people of Tampere start the season with two Jakub Malek–Jonas Gunnarsson.
The Czech, who already played in Ilves last season, is currently barely in pole position.
– He has taken a big step forward compared to last season. Nothing prevents Malek from being good and playing a lot of wins.
The 21-year-old is basically a very good goalkeeper: he has size, ability and technique.
But.
Especially last season, he was very volatile. The extracts varied a lot even within a single batch. A top save was followed by a cheap goal and a cool game read by boyish haste.
– Maybe it was also due to the fact that he felt the need to succeed in order to be able to play again. It’s a difficult place for a smith when you notice that someone else is a lot better.
From the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Malek has been more stable than last season.
– It seems that he is very proud of himself. You should think about something else during the game. If the goalkeeper is psyching himself up all the time, the ball won’t last, Tammi thinks.
– Your own playing calms down when you know how to think that you don’t have to take the hell out of everything, number 30 adds.
Malek’s save percentage last season was 90.3 and the average number of goals conceded was 2.15.
In CHL 2023–24, the corresponding readings are 92.96 and 2.50.
In Wednesday’s match against Ässi, the Czech scored three goals and the save percentage was 90.
– He made some good saves, but those goals left something to worry about. In our age, three to ours would have been a good balance, Tammi laughs and refers to the decrease in the number of goals since the 1980s and 90s.
Swedish Lottery
Jonas Gunnarsson debuted in the SM league on Thursday. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Swede Gunnarsson, 31, has only been the clear number one goalkeeper of his team in the 2015–16 season in Malmö.
– It tells that there has always been an equal or better pair in the team, and he has not managed to claim the number one spot. The situation might change in Ilves if he plays a few top matches.
The 183-centimeter Swede is 11 centimeters shorter than his Czech partner, so the playing styles of the Ilves guards are different. To put it very roughly, Malek is more on the ice and Gunnarsson is upright.
– Last Sunday in the CHL match between Ilves and Vitkovice, you noticed that Gunnarsson is the creator. He stood tall and let his opponents shoot. He could read situations really well. He seems like a relatively calm guy.
Gunnarsson will play in Ilves’ goal on Thursday against Lukko.
With two tips
David Leggio (left) and Atte Engren fanned the Finnish championship in 2010. Jukka Rautio/Europhoto/All Over Press
The system of two goalkeepers playing evenly is not the most usual way in Finland. Of course, there are examples of top successes, such as Pekka Tuokkola–Sinuhe Wallinheimo in Jyväskylä, Atte Engren–David Leggio Turku and Tammi–Jarmo Myllys In sneer.
– In the long run, the chances are good if the team plays both goalkeepers. Last season, Lukko was an example of bad behavior: Artjom Zagidulin didn’t catch the puck anymore at the end of the season, and Lukko didn’t dare to use the other mask. That’s how they enjoyed their season, Tammi estimated.
– If in Aces Niklas Rubin would have been injured, it would have been the same situation there.
Mutual competition is usually constructive, but it can also turn into a problem. Tammi says that this happened to her and Myllyksen in Ilves’ most recent championship season in 1984–85.
– In the beginning, both sides were jealous of playing time. Then both grew up. It was thought that if the other played well, we would win. Before, it was a bit like you could win, but you could score your own goals.
Top three
Christian Heljanko has been convincing in Tappara’s goal. Minna Jalovaara
Who are the best goalkeepers of the SM league season 2023–24?
– Tapparan Christian Heljangon I would put it as number one. Then they come to Jyväskylä Wine Vehviläinen and Ässien Rubin, Tammi answers.
What about the situation of the biggest champion favorite IFK?
– Quite agreeable. Experienced Niko Hovinen and Tomi Karhunen push the young Roope from Tapo ahead. Taponen shouldn’t be lulled into being number one, because he should play well all the time. Let’s hope he doesn’t remain a one-season shooting star.
What do you think of last season’s SM silver team Pelicans?
– Jussi in Olkinuora there’s a hell of a lot of potential and talent, but how did last season’s fluctuating and weak season affect self-esteem?
Olkinuora helped the Lions win the World Cup gold in the spring of 2022, but the 2022–23 season was modest.
– After all, the national team at the 2022 World Championships had damn good Pakit and the entire defense of the five. But of course Olkinuora was also strong. He may very well be the top scorer in the league this season.