HIFK won against Oulu with as many goals as 7–0. Tappara and Ässät also took clear victories in Saturday’s round.
HIFK and Kärpät met yesterday in Helsinki in the ice hockey championship league. HIFK entered the match on a small losing streak, as the team had lost four matches in a row. However, the people of Helsinki returned to winning ways when the victory over Kärpi came after extra time 4–3.
Today the teams met again, now in Oulu. The result was quite a shock for Kärpi, as HIFK won by no less than 7–0. If any feelings of crisis crept into the HIFK camp, they have now been quickly eradicated. For Kärp, on the other hand, the result gives food for thought.
From HIFK, who used their scoring chances effectively Eetu Koivistoinen hit a hat trick and Juha Jääskä finished with two hits. They also got into the goalscoring statistics Petteri Lindbohm and Joni Ikonen.
After just over 12 minutes, HIFK led 3–0 with two goals by Koivistoinen and one by Lindbohm. A moment later HIFK’s Ilari Melart and Kärppie’s recent NHL confirmation Nick Ritchie fought themselves into the shower.
By the middle of the second period, HIFK already led 5–0 after Jääskä’s two goals.
– We were really rude all the time, we didn’t do anything stupid. Alivoima was good and we were really effective, HIFK’s young striker Alexander Kaskimäki said.
19-year-old Kaskimäki got two assist points today. He already has his single-season record 6+3=9.
– A very positive week from us and the preparation for this match hit the spot, HIFK’s head coach Ville Peltonen said.
Saturday saw two more clear victories. Tappara beat Sport 5–0 at home Oskari Luoton finishing his opening goal in the SM league and Eetu Randelin’s saving the second shutout of his league career.
Aces, on the other hand, beat league jumbo SaiPa 6–2 at home To Jesse Joensuu and Dylan Fabre recording two goals to a man.
Jukurit, Lukko and Pelicans also played in home wins. Jukurit beat KalPa 3–1 Ondrej Kovarcic Winged by 1+2 powers, Lukko cleared TPS 4–1 and Pelicans JYP Lubos Horkyn 2–1 with a goal in the 55th minute. At the top of the league are Ilves and Tappara from Tampere, Ilves ahead by a point. In third place is HIFK, 11 points away from Ilves.
You can see the league table at this link.