HIFK loses 3-1.
I watched the second and third periods and Ortio was sharp and had no chance at all on the goals I saw. The redirection on the winning goal looked like it could have been a high stick and they didn't even go to video, which left a bad taste. On the third goal a forward slid into him and the secondary guy shot it upstairs.
Granlund assisted on HIFK goal but was pretty invincible overall. Kind of a boring, grindy game where no individual really shines. Tappara simply played their typical solid game and won. HIFK's offense looked futile. Granlund also tanguayed a forced pass on a great chance with 3 minutes left which wasn't so great.
Some angry words excanged after the final whistle. One guy was going nuts on Nieminen who played a good game. Maybe the next game will have more electricity. Barkov was okay, not great, but you can see that his ability to use his body and decision making with the puck are excellent. Long stick, Jagr-like big ass, aware of his linemates and keeps the puck alive, plays in every situation.
Ortio with 27 saves; Metsola with 19 at the other end.
|