Jesse Puljujärvi scored two goals and got hit between the legs. Suomalaištahti did not digest the action of the NHL defender.
Simo Arkko,
Jussi Saarinen
The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows the events in the app, on the website, on the Sports Screen and on Urheiluradio.
Jesse Puljujärvi came to the fore again at the World Hockey Championships, when Finland lost 3–5 in the opening group match against Canada.
Puljujärvi first made two hits in front of the goal. He fanned goals furiously, but also with a happy smile. He increased his points balance in the World Championships to 3+2=5.
– Of course it’s nice to score goals and help the team. We still have to figure out how to beat the tough teams. I will do my best to win, Puljujärvi commented.
Moments after the second goal, Puljujärvi scored Bowen from Byram kick between the legs in front of the goal. Puljujärvi did not digest the situation, but immediately showed the judges that Byram lifted his racket in the wrong place.
Puljujärvi was also hot towards Byram. Puljujärvi took his Buffalo NHL defender “under his arm” in front of the goal.
– Not that. It was a tough fight. I don’t know if I did it on purpose or by accident. It could have been an accident, but fortunately there are good protections at the lower end, Puljujärvi acknowledged.
What kind of feedback did you give him?
– What on earth! That’s all. Peace now.
– I just said, straight to the eggs. Nothing else.
After Puljujärvi was soaked, the judges went to check the situation and finally Byram received a 5+20 minute shower command for whining.
– I started to cringe. I don’t know how such situations will go if you don’t do anything yourself. Will (the judges) watch the video again, Puljujärvi pondered.
Puljujärvi enjoys the World Cup
Puljujärvi’s last years in the NHL have not gone very smoothly. In the World Cup, he has gotten in good shape and enjoyed playing.
– When you think about the last couple of years, I haven’t played a lot of minutes, but I’ve been grinding hard. Now I enjoy playing.
Despite the goals, Puljujärvi’s field remained in the red. He was also worried about his defensive playing.
– I have to think about how I was on the field when I scored an own goal. We were left in the red. The defensive end is not enough, Puljujärvi lamented.
Finland needs wins in the last two matches to secure its place in the quarterfinals. However, everything is still in your own hands.
– This is not an ideal situation. It’s still in your hands. We win the games and go to the playoffs. Nothing more than that.