This classic encounter looked to be very one-sided affair after the first 20 minutes, as HIFK led 3-0 and dominated all the action, but TPS notched two back around the 23 min. mark as HIFK,temporarily, had lost its momentum during the interval.
The second and third periods were pretty even, but we never really were threatened. This team has got the physical and mental abilities needed to be succesful in tight games.
The Ruuttu line was overshadowed by Hurme-Davidsson-Ruutu and Kortelainen-Bergland-Laukkanen. On defense Puolanne was better than ever when paired with Timonen who got the winning goal on a brilliant set-up by young Kari Kalto.
Tim Berglandīs contract is under review this week and Iīm for one in favour of a new contract. The other trans-atlantic player on the roster; Mike Legg has been a scratch the last two games, but nothing official (slight injury) has been said about Legg.
Stars:
#1 Bergland
#2 Timonen
#3 Davidsson