Pelicans star Juhamatti Aaltonen says that the Pelicans still have a lot to improve. The current level will not be sufficient in the future.
follows the SM league finals moment by moment on its website. The Hockey Tour broadcasts every league final live. All finals will be heard live at Areena, the third final also on Radio Suomen’s soundwaves. The preliminary studios of the ice hockey round can be enjoyed in video form for the first time in the finals.
TAMPERE. The biggest talking point of the third final between Tappara and Pelicans was the collision situation in the third period.
Pelicans defender and Tappara’s own upbringing Saku Salminen hit the Tappara keeper behind the goal Christian Heljankoo. Heljango’s helmet flew through the air as he fell to the ice. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, his head was not hit.
Salminen received a five-minute penalty for obstruction. After the match, neither of the parties involved in the case could be interviewed by the media.
The Pelicans’ hero Juhamatti Aaltonen was surprised by the defender’s action.
– Surprised even myself. Everyone does what they do. He pulled an ace up his sleeve.
– I can’t get inside Salminen’s head. Everyone makes decisions as an individual.
According to Aaltonen, the issue was not discussed within the team. Tommi Niemelä told Urheilu that he discussed the situation with Salminen.
The Pelicans were underpowered for five minutes in a 1-1 situation, but survived without a setback.
– Yes, we got into a pretty crazy place. The guys killed the underdog very well. Not quite an optimal place when the third final is 1–1 and we are in the series with a 0–2 loss. It was a risk.
Aaltonen was in a good mood after the match. Pelicans joined the series and narrowed the match wins to 1–2.
– The end of the second set and the third set were not so good, but we were brave and dared to play in the extra set. It started to turn. There were a couple of good saves, but luckily we got a goal, Aaltonen said and referred to Heljango’s world-class saves in the overtime.
Aaltonen praises how Tappara has tough “players” and good defenders. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the Pelicans would dominate the game all the time.
However, he believes the Pelicans can do even better.
– Sometimes we were on the ropes, but they are part of the game. They must be endured and defended. We must be able to improve. This will not be enough in the future, Aaltonen stated.
The 38-year-old tactician has played in a new role on the edge of the four chain. Patience, which Niemelä emphasizes a lot, suits Aaltoen at the moment.
Aaltonen has accumulated 1+2=3 points from spring matches.
– I have nothing left but patience. I can’t seem to get anything done. All you can do is try to stay patient.