K-Espoo-HIFK 26.01.1997
Eaves had made some changes moving Laukkanen to the first line with Kortelainen and Jokinen and replacing him by Molin in the second. No change !
Sloppy defensive play paved way for 0-2 after the 1st. Goalie Lindfors did not play convincingly. On the whole HIFK played a lousy hockey and lacked determination.
With this victory K-Espoo surpassed HIFK in the table leaving HIFK 7th and only 3 points clear of the play off cut.
The next two home games vs. Saipa and Jokerit will be crucial with 13 games left in the regular season the trend has to change. 6 losses in last eight games is not good enough. Early vacation threatens behind the corner.
Against Saipa the team should let Jokinen, Kortelainen and Eriksson stay on the bench and give the young forwards some more ice-time
Stars of the game:
*** none
** none
* Laukkanen