Pelicans and Ilves meet on Thursday evening in the sixth semi-final match at 18:30. You can listen to the match on Puhe’s Ice Hockey Tour from 6:15 p.m.
Lahti Pelicans has been the big surprise of the hockey SM league this season. The Pelicans have had a flying start in the spring, although many could have expected the bubble to burst in the playoffs at the latest.
The Pelicans were not on the list of pre-favorites of well-known journalists before the start of the season. When Jatkoaika continued Jääkiekkolehti’s legendary tradition of betting on different media (you will switch to another service)the Pelicans reached the 11th place, i.e. out of the playoffs.
Of the 12 reporters, only three believed the Pelicans would reach the tenth spot.
Sports expert Top Nättinen in this article lists three reasons why the Pelicans have surprised this season.
Nättinen analyzes the starting points for the sixth semi-final match between Pelicans and Ilves in the audio below.
1. Ilmapiri and Tommi Niemelää
The smiling and cheerful Pelicans head coach Tommi Niemelä has got his team flying high. Although the humor flourishes, the team has not made their game “lekker”.
The players, on the contrary, are extremely committed.
– Niemelä is exactly the kind of guy he looks like. There is nothing fake about him. He is positive, sees opportunities, believes in mental well-being and that everyone can be themselves, says Nättinen.
The atmosphere can also be seen on the field as a commitment both mentally and physically.
– On the physical side, so that you block shots, put your body in line, skate back pressure, and don’t slip.
– Everyone is committed to the way of playing and believes in it. Tommi Niemelä plays a big role in that. The atmosphere is such that you can try, as long as you commit to the basic values.
The good atmosphere may have been caused by the fact that the Pelicans have often been the underdog. For example, much more is expected from the semi-final opponent Ilves. It can be seen by the team as a fear of failure and shame when the opponent is “only” the Pelicans.
– Against KalPa, Pelicans were evenly matched, but now they are underdogs and play without pressure. Even the semifinal series is a super performance from the Pelicans. The lynx, on the other hand, has a fear of losing something.
– The Pelicans have worked really well on the mental side of the underdog setup. They have been able to destabilize Ilves’ mental, but also game-like state.
According to Nättinen, the Pelicans have even become the game leader in the series.
2. Gameplay, repetition and tactics
According to Nättinen, Pelicans’ way of playing can be seen in all areas of the field. The five are on the field together and close to each other. The distances are fine.
– The big picture is that we are close, we help a friend, the game is balanced. When defending, we are compact.
– In the last nine games, Ilveskån scored only one goal with five against five. The opponent doesn’t have terribly counterattacks that would be overwhelming, Nättinen reminds.
The Pelicans’ way of playing with the puck under pressure has made a big impression on Nättinen. Although Ilves puts pressure on, Pelicans is able to come out from under pressure very convincingly. The players dare to stay on the puck and pass from even the smallest gaps.
– However, the Pelicans’ lineup is pretty anonymous and they can play wonderfully under pressure. They don’t need to splash. The forwards help the packs, the centers are close and low. That’s amazing to watch.
According to Nättinen, the Pelicans don’t necessarily clear the puck even when the opponent has had a top position. Even in this situation, the Pelicans prefer to skate out of the area by dribbling.
3. Lukas Jasek and other individuals
The Pelicans’ success has also been based on the fact that many have played at the peak season and at the upper limits of their own abilities. For example, Czech Center Lukas Jasek led by the second chain on its sides Lars Bryggman and Tyler Kelleher has been in a convincing bet. The trio has scored a total of 25 points in 12 playoff matches, of which Jasek has scored 11 (5+6).
Jasek has raised his level from the regular season, when he was 20th in the points market. Now he shines in the second position and plays with an average of almost 22 minutes. Only six defenders have played more than him this spring.
– Jasek sums up the look of the Pelicans. He is not an artist, but plays really maturely.
– He is a magical skater. Powers will also come, which is the most important thing. If you compare Ilves’ golden helmet Petri Kontiolathe gap has been massive in this series.
Also a genius Iikka Kangasniemi has risen to an important role.
– In the opinion of many, Kangasniemi always wanders in the lands of shadows, but he has scored nine points in the playoffs and single-handedly decided the last game in the form of goals.
– You shouldn’t draw too many conclusions from his body language. There are a lot of players who rant and rave, but he does what he does best. Takes the focus to the other end and can be seen on teletext.
Pelicans guard Partrik Bartosak has saved 12 games with two goals conceded and an average of 91.5 percent. According to Nättinen, Bartosak has not had to make magical saves, as the Lahti players’ defensive play has been at a sufficient level.
– He has been there in those moments when needed. Ilves has also given comments to the media talking about Bartosak’s goodness. He has played really confidently, evenly and reliably.
Pelicans and Ilves meet on Thursday evening in the sixth semi-final match at 18:30. You can listen to the match on Puhe’s Ice Hockey Tour from 6:15 p.m.