A dream start guaranteed HIFK the first deciding ball for the championship – “These are largely mental struggles” | Sport

HIFK came out on top in the finals of the women’s hockey league and claimed victory in the home cave of Kiekko-Espo.

HIFK’s dream start, tight defensive play and efficient use of goal posts decided the third final game of the women’s hockey league. HIFK claimed a 4–2 victory in Kiekko-Espoo’s home cave, and the championship will be suspended on Thursday in Helsinki.

– IFK entered the match with a fighting attitude, and Espoo had difficulty creating an attacking game. When the team lacks the most skilled top player, did it increase the fighting pace and activity? thought ‘s expert Vilma Tanskanen on commentary leave.

By top player, Tanskanen meant HIFK’s power forward Michaela Pejzlovawho was out of the game due to a minor injury.

The visitor’s power player became this time Julia Liikala, who managed to hit the first hit of the evening already in the second minute of the match. HIFK counterattacked, and Liikala didn’t care about the Espoo defense’s obstacles, but dunked the puck Tiia Pajarinen behind the back.

In the second period, HIFK scored another goal after an important offensive lead after the opening victory. Pauliina Salonen the move from the p-point hall surprised both the Espoo defense and Pajarinen, who was wearing a mask.

Kiekko-Espo had good situations in the second half, as HIFK took two penalties in the middle of the half. However, Espoo’s superiority game did not work and the IFK keeper Miia Vainio stretched out. Vainio had 13 saves in the set against Pajarinen’s seven.

In the third period, the game seemed to be decided when HIFK Sehana Galburn already took his team to a 3–0 lead with the superiority of two players.

However, Kiekko-Espoo fought and broke Vainio’s clean sheet in 57.03. The people from Espoo played without a goalkeeper and Nea Katajamäki bounced the puck into the goal. Just a moment later, Kiekko-Espoo got the upper hand, but HIFK’s Liikala decided the match with a 4-1 goal into an empty net with an underpowered goal. Kiekko-Espoon Lisette Täks The 2–4 hit was little consolation for the home team.

– The scoreboard has too few goals for us and too many goals for them, Kiekko-Espoo’s experienced defender Minttu Tuominen stated and emphasized that the situation may be different in the next match.

– I just bring relaxation, creativity and cunning, and it will work.

The tight defense did the most important work

Miia Vainio, who has been IFK’s lock since the second semi-final match, played a clean sheet in the previous match and was close to it in this match as well. According to him, a quick goal at the beginning of the match freed the game.

– I felt more relaxed after that. From a goalkeeper’s point of view, it matters. These are largely mental struggles, Vainio said.

– A draw would have been nice, but I’m proud that we won and the performance of the whole team. We defended well in front of the goal and did not let the people from Espola into the goal posts. Tight defense did the most important work again.

Reigning champion HIFK now leads 2–1, and the championship is on break on Thursday in Helsinki. According to ‘s expert Vilma Tanskanen, HIFK managed to utilize the advantages of the big rink in their previous home match.

– I would turn the situation over to Espoo: how do they get a new gear and use the space and time to their advantage? Tanskanen thought.

Assisted two of HIFK’s goals Siiri Yrjölä know that even though the victory was sweet, there is no time to float.

– When we leave this hall, this game will be reset, he stated.

Vainio agrees, who also believes that the fourth final match will be a tough battle.

– A good result comes when we just trust ourselves.