Espoo’s Oilers narrowed the floorball men’s F-League final series to 1–2, when they defeated Tampere’s Classic at home with a score of 6–5. The winning goal was scored by the people of Espoo Antti Suomela in the overtime in 63.03.
The home team Oilers started cheerfully, but the guests were responsible for the opening goal. Ville Hietarantana the accurate move caught the Oilers guard by surprise Markus Laakson in time 13:22.
A few minutes later, the Oilers’ press brought results. Rasmus Kainulainen stole the game tool From Oskari Heikkilä and brought the home team to level.
Oilers press Puri for the second time at the end of the period, when Elias Pekari took the people of Espoo to a 2–1 lead.
Classic tied the game right at the start of the second period when Eemeli Salin hit his fifth hit of the final series.
The Oilers literally wasted scoring opportunities in the second period, but they finally got their reward at the end of the period. Rasmus Kainulainen, who played a great match, scored his second shot of the evening from a serve by brother Justus to give the home team the lead again.
The third set of five goals
The third set started with the Espoo team leading 3–2. Classic started the set with a rumble again, but Ville Lastikan the company collapsed.
However, the frustration of the Tampere people continued. In less than a minute and a half, the guests first leveled and then went past. First Nico Salo released Aaro Helinin, who nailed his 13th hit of the playoff season in 48:32. Moments later, the ball was again in the Espoo team’s goal, when Konsta Tykkyläinen gave Classic a 4–3 lead.
Eemeli Salin beautified her goal balance in the second half of the set and Classic already seemed to be marching to its third victory in the final series.
However, the people of Espoo did not give up. Aaro Astala fired another shot into the Oilers goal four minutes before the end and a moment later Jesperi Lindfors brought the people of Espoo up to par.
At the end of the actual playing time, a 5-5 score was sought for a solution in the overtime. Antti Suomela, who hit the winning hit, became the hero, who was able to shout out more than a thousand people in the Espoo audience.
– We weren’t terribly good today. We made a few easy mistakes, and the defense was not quite worthy of the final. The guy is good, there are good individuals there, you have to be a little more precise and humble, Eemeli Salin sums up.
“Damn important win”
Rasmus Kainulainen, who scored 2+1 in the Espoo team’s first court, was naturally happy after the win.
– A damn important victory. We talked before the game that we need to defend a little more closely. The guy has been able to break into the gaps a little too easily and the boys are flying here and there, Kainulainen talked after the match.
– Today we defended really well and finished very well. Thank God Antti scored a goal at the end, made life much easier!
Injuries have plagued the team from Espoo, and even Kainulainen has had to watch some playoff matches from the sidelines. Kinesio tape has been in heavy use at the Espoo camp.
– It must be something to dig for. It can’t be helped that there are a few injuries and such. We’re running out of tape, but let’s go with what we have. Today was a hell of a game, we gained more strength from this.
Glove power?
Rasmus Kainulainen has attracted attention in floorball bowls not only with his game performances, but also with his playing gloves. Since the autumn, he has been playing with gloves intended for American football, thanks to which the grip is better when the hands are sweating.
The smell can be considered a disadvantage.
– They smell really bad, it makes no sense. You can’t really wash them when there are holes. But they smell really good to your own ear or nose, Kainulainen laughed.
According to Kainulainen, the gloves sometimes have to be changed during the match when they are sweating.
– Today I didn’t even sweat, so I was able to pull with the same gloves. If there are no successes, you may have to change, the Oilers forward opened.
There was no need to change on the night of three power points. The goals and the assist point were fine for Kainulainen.
– There are no better games than this, you have to enjoy them. Then next season, different colors on the shirt, yes that will also give an extra boost to the mood.
The final series continues in Lempäälä on Saturday. Four wins are required for the championship. The fifth final match will be played on Wednesday at the Helsinki Ice Hall, as well as a possible sixth match.
Story updated 21:51: Added comments and edited the title.