Ilves-HIFK 2-6 15.02.1997
Usually HIFK loses when they play in front of the TV-cameras. So generally you would not get overly excited from beeing able to watch an away game on TV.
With their backs against the wall, after the recent loosing streak, the team had to come up with it in this game. Positioned in the last play off spot only one measly point in hand, there was only one option - to win.
Won they did, but what an performance ! The knife on your throat situation resulted in one of the best, if not the best, game this season. The team leaders stepped up and lead the way.
18-year old Olli Jokinen consolidated his position as the most promising draftee for next summer by singlehandedly scoring the go ahead goal on a brilliant breakaway and followup on his own shot.
Ilves never got in to the game until it was too late. HIFK higly criticized power-play units came up with it when needed. Hurme scored backhanded from a goulmouth rebound on a two-man advantage and Eriksson added one with the odd man advantage during the same penalty. The fourth came yet again from a rebound with eight players in front of the Ilves crease Ahola finally putting it in.
Ilves managed to pul two back, but the final stint of two goals in 33 seconds early in the third by Kortelainen and Molin proved to be decisive.
Despite a three point cushion Sunday´s HPK game has to be won so the hockey rink in Helsinki' should be close to capacity tomorrow.
Stars of the game:
*** O.Jokinen,Ruutu
** Molin, Eriksson, Kutznetsov
* Wahlberg