Petri Kontiola admitted that emotions should have been kept in check better in a tight place.
Petri Kontiola was nervous against Tappara. The star striker wears Ilves’ golden helmet and is fifth in the points market of the SM league. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Ilves golden helmet Petri Kontiola’s composure failed in the decisive moments of a hot local game, when he hit a visible crack with his bat on the plexiglass of the Nokia Arena rink.
At the end of the match, Kontiola sat on the ice due to a misbehavior, while Ilves sought an equaliser. It didn’t happen, and Tappara won 2–0.
– Well, yes, the nerves went away. We learn from mistakes and this was it, Kontiola continued after his reconciliation.
The burning of Kontiola was due to a very accurate offside whistle. If the offside had not been whistled, the Ilves defender Otto Latvala would have been able to shoot from the top spot.
Kontiola did not give his own assessment, Did the whistle go correctly.
– I don’t know, it doesn’t matter. It’s pointless to say anything here, because it’s a mockery to your own ankle when you start barking at others.
– Still, whether it was offside or not, I could have done my actions a little better, Kontiola admitted.
Kontiola gave recognition to Tappara, who kept Ilves firmly in his toes throughout the match, for a strong performance.
– Tappara was a damn difficult opponent, they play with great confidence.
The playoff-like tough struggle inevitably raised the question of whether Ilves has enough ability to break a tough machine like Tappara.
– You just have to grind. The opening set was really good and we got into the game well. Kaveri is a good team, you have to think of the right soups to beat them, Kontiola thought.