K-Espoo winless in 18th straight away game vs. HIFK. Despite K-Espoo keeping even numbers
for 30 minutes this turned into a slaughter.
As indicated above the starting moments of the game were similar as in the previous games vs. Lukko and Saipa, poor concentration and intensity i.e. K-Espoo were succesful with their high checking putting pressure on the HIFK defenders, but as so often before they tired themselves. On the latter part of the game there was only one team on the ice.
The Jokinen line recorded 3+5 points and was again decisive. The powerplay improved markedly from the dismal levels of late. Notable is that Caloun returned with style directly setting up Ruutu and Rafalski for the two opening goals and beeing very valuable on the pp unit.
Nine goals is a lot so easilly forget the defence, but Rafalski 1+0 and Timonen 1+1 and of course Karalahti were awesome offensively. Halkidis and Kultanen were solid defensively. Tim Thomas was not brilliant, but showed the determination that has made him the nr goalie in GAA with 1.95.
Stars:
#1 Mika Kortelainen
#2 Jan Caloun
#3 Jere Karalahti