HIFK-Tappara 22.9.1996

A typical beginning of the season affair with no pace and a lot of unforced errors. Tappara had won its first two games ahead of this game as HIFK had lost two so the setup was pretty obvious.

HIFK went 2-0 with two powerplay goals from Peter Ahola and Kaj Linna, both well placed low shots, from the blueline, that slipped in through traffic. Tappara saw more of the puck, but were extremely inefficient. They pulled one back, but never really threatened HIFK. The main reason for this was goalie Sakke Lindfors who had 35 saves vs 17 saves for the Tappara goalies.

After a goaless 2nd period. HIFK were helped by shaky goaltending and sheer luck to finally outscore Tappara 8-1.

If anything; the solid play of P.Ahola and J.Karalahti, not forgetting the great goaltending, proved to be positive signs. Of the new players Niklas Eriksson showed promising talent, whereas Tom Bissett and Ove Molin were far from form. Eric Murano took a couple of silly penalties, but Eriksson-Murano-Bissett should develop into an efficient line above league average.

Team captain Mika Kortelainen together with Ove Molin lacked the passes of a good center as 17 year old Olli Jokinen still lacks the bias.

Stars of the game were: *** P.Ahola, ** S.Lindfors, * M.Hurme

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