HIFK-Jokerit 2-5 1.02.1997
The only good news this week-end was the nomination of 18 year old center Olli Jokinen. He´s believed to be drafted in the NHL draft next summer as one of the first three selected in the first round.
A nice gesture by national team coach Curt Lindström to reward Jokinen for his magnificent rookie year with a slot in the Sweden Hockey Games team.
Today´s game left far more questions than answers. HIFK dominated the 1st scoring the only goal of the period. Everything looked very much like the first encounter of the year on Jan 3. Jokerit had learnt a lesson, though.
As HIFK tired themself by tackling everything that moved Jokerit held back and waited for their opportunity. It came early in the second as Jokerit got even and then got the chance to play power play, scored a second and then there was no return for HIFK. They got back to 2-3, but never really contested for the victory.
There are strong rumours that the season for coach Eaves could end before the league resumes at Feb 16.
Stars of the game:
*** none
** Molin, Eriksson, Wahlberg
* Ruutu, Hurme